Our good friend and Panopticon superemo Mr Andrew Beech has very kindly put us in the picture on the status on the new Panopticon events and their place within fandom.
The DWAS subsidiary company ‘DSL’ (Dominitemporal Services Limited), which ran PanoptiCon from 1988 onwards (and of which I was managing director), became independent of DWAS in 1993 and ran all subsequent events wholly separately – albeit continuing to support the DWAS by providing a platform for them at the event.
Some time after the PanoptiCon ‘hiatus’ became apparent (a couple of years after 2003) the DWAS created another company (“Space Rocket”) to run its own events, and it is that company which has been organising the ‘Tony Jordan-led’ Capitol events.
One of the reasons for the ‘Panopticon’ hiatus was my increasing workload for BBC Worldwide (now BBC Studios) – whose staff I joined shortly after PanoptiCon 2003. There was simply too much potential for significant conflicts of interest, and I considered it better at that time to support/work on the BBC’s own activities and events. Recent changes/developments (not least my ‘retirement’ from my BBC staff position – albeit I still work for them freelance) led me to contact the old Panopticon team and, with them (and some newer recruits) to re-enter the frame.
So the ‘new’ Panopticons are NOT associated with the DWAS, but ARE run by the original (1988-2003) team.
Ed – We will of course keep you fully up to date on all developments and future Panopticon events (the first of these is Panopticon Lite, see link) as we get them, and thank you very much to Andrew Beech for getting in touch.
UK 1973 Dir David Maloney With Jon Pertwee, Katy Manning, Prentis Hancock 6 x 25 min Courtesy of BBC Studios
Planet of the Daleks screening at BFI Southbank on Saturday 15th June with some updated visual effects and a 5.1 stereo surround mix followed by a conversation with the one and only Katy Manning.
Tickets on sale next week to BFI members then the following week to all.
With the Doctor seriously wounded and the TARDIS under the control of Jo and the Time Lords, our heroes arrive in a jungle environment on the planet Spiridon. Before long, they meet a group of Thals from the planet Skaro and and find themselves at the mercy of the Doctor’s arch enemies – the Daleks. This version of the series contains some updated visual effects and a new 5.1 stereo surround mix.
Tickets £15, concs £12 (Members pay £2 less).
Doctor Who: The Collection – Season 10 is released on Blu-ray on Mon 24 June.
As we approach the end of this turbulent decade strong female characters have begun to take centre stage across all film, comics and TV drama, most especially sci-fi. Both DC and Marvel have had enormous successes with Wonder Woman and Captain Marvel respectively.
One such organisation to embrace this change is the Comic Guru, now located in the Queen Street arcade.
And to celebrate this, the Comic Guru is partnering with another staple of Cardiff’s sci-fi scene, award-winning independent publisher Candy Jar Books.
To coincide with the recent release of Captain Marvel, the first woman-led instalment in Marvel’s cinematic universe, the Comic Guru is hosting its first collaborative event with Candy Jar, an author meet and greet showcasing just a few of Candy Jar’s strong female authors. Fans will get a chance to meet Alyson Leeds, an author from the Doctor Whospin-off Lethbridge-Stewartseries, as well as children’s sci-fi authors Cherry Cobb and Michelle Briscombe.
Owner of the Comic Guru, Kristian Barry, says:
“Both the DC and Marvel comic and film franchises have been at the catalyst of change. They have always embraced diversity and championed equal rights. Captain Marvel shows that women can be superheroes too. At the Comic Guru we want to celebrate this, and with Mother’s Day coming up we thought it was an ideal opportunity.”
Candy Jar’s range of titles spans everything from children’s fiction to war memoirs. It is perhaps best known, however, for its Lethbridge-Stewart series, a fully licensed collection of novels about the adventures of the classic Doctor Who character Brigadier Lethbridge-Stewart. As one of the only non-BBC official Doctor Who products out there, the series has attracted an international readership, and it is currently in its sixth series.
Alyson Leeds, whose debut novel entitled Fear of the Web is based on old Doctor Whostory, The Web of Fear, states:
“The one thing I always disliked about The Web of Fear was how male dominated the storyline was, and being a part of the Lethbridge-Stewart series has given me a chance to make sure the females are given their platform to speak.”
Michelle Briscombe’s novel, The House on March Lane, contains two brave female protagonists, one from the modern day and the other from the Victorian era. Both characters are free thinkers and despite being separated by one hundred years they become unlikely friends.
Cherry Cobb, author of Will’s War, a book about a boy who time travels back to World War Two London, focuses mainly on male characters. Cherry says:
”My dad was eleven when he was evacuated from Plymouth. He often used to tell me stories about how they lived and I think this is why it felt more natural to me to write about the experience of a boy. Although Will’s War has a lot of male characters, I did not aim it at boys, but as something to be enjoyed by everyone.”
Shaun Russell continues:
“We’re proud of the stand sci-fi has been taking recently. We’ve tried to make our statement with our authors, as well as our Lethbridge-Stewart spinoff, The Lucy Wilson Mysteries. Sci-fi is for everyone, boys and girls, and this event has something for the whole family. Not to mention, as it takes place the day before Mother’s Day, it might be just be the perfect opportunity to pick up a last minute gift.”
“Alongside author meet and greets, there will be a chance to get your hands on some free books, and if you are interested in becoming an author yourself, Candy Jar’s team will be available to chat throughout the day.”
And just for balance, Terry Cooper, author of the sci-fi comedy Kangazang! Small Cosmos, and director of the Welsh independent film, Offworld, will also be signing at the Comic Guru. He says:
“I have two daughters myself and do recognise the importance of strong role models for girls. Despite my book being a laddish adventure story, it is the female character that ultimately saves the day. Equally in Offworld it is the female spaceship Captain that takes centre stage in my story.”
Kristian Barry continues:
“I’m really looking forward to welcoming this group of talented authors into my shop, it is sure to be a stupendous start to many more Comic Guru events.”
The event will take place on March the 30th beginning at eleven o’clock through to four thirty.
BFI DVD Preview: Doctor Who – The Macra Terror (Animated)
UK 1967 Dir John Davies With the voices of Patrick Troughton, Anneke Wills, Frazer Hines, Michael Craze 4x25min Courtesy of BBC Studios
The Doctor (Troughton) and his companions arrive on a human colony in the far-flung future. The colony appears to be a giant recreational complex – a holiday camp for rest and relaxation. Everyone looks happy and carefree, but all is not as it seems. The colony has been infiltrated and its members brainwashed by a race of giant parasitic crab creatures called the Macra. Although the majority of this story was believed to have been lost, by using a complete audio recording and a new animation, we invite you to sit back and enjoy The Macra Terror over 50 years since it was first broadcast.
All tickets are £27, restricted to two per booker (Members pay £2 less, no concs). The price includes a copy of the DVD, which will be available to collect after the screening on the day. Please note that the Blu-ray version is not available with this offer.
UK 1981 Dir Peter Grimwade With Tom Baker, Janet Fielding, Sarah Sutton, Matthew Waterhouse 90min Digital Certificate Courtesy of BBC Studios
‘It’s the end, but the moment has been prepared for’… The Doctor has heard the ominous chime of the cloister bell, and his attempts to keep a low profile backfire when he finds himself in the middle of another manipulation by The Master. It’s the moment that 1980s Doctor Who fans around the planet thought would never happen, as the fourth Doctor lays down at last and regenerates. This version contains some updated visual effects.
Time to discover the science behind one of the world’s most popular TV franchises, if you can come out from behind the sofa for long enough of course!
Join the National Space Centre for a fun family weekend where we look at the fact behind the fiction.
An event for families, children and fans to enjoy, there is a jam-packed schedule of workshops, competitions, challenges, talks, exhibitions and lots of your favourite terrifying foes to encounter.
Saturday Guests:
Sylvester McCoy
The Seventh Doctor
With his trademark panama hat and question mark umbrella, the Seventh incarnation of the Time Lord from Gallifrey will be making his fourth visit to The National Space Centre. You may also recognise Sylvester from his role as Radagast in the hit trilogy; The Hobbit.
Paul McGann
The Eighth Doctor
Paul starred in the 1987 dark comedy Withnail and I, and as the eighth incarnation of the Doctor in the 1996 Doctor Who television film, a role he reprised in more than 70 audio dramas and the 2013 mini-episode “The Night of the Doctor”. McGann is also known for playing Lieutenant William Bush in Hornblower and Professor John Gaskell in Holby City.
Peter Davison
The Fifth Doctor
Peter was the fifth incarnation of the Doctor in Doctor Who, which he played from 1981 to 1984. Peter’s real life daughter is actress Georgia Moffett, who played The Doctor’s daughter Jenny in the episode “The Doctor’s Daughter”. In December 2011 she married Scottish actor David Tennant, who played the Tenth Doctor, making them a true Time Lord family.
Colin Baker
The Sixth Doctor
The sixth incarnation of the Doctor, from 1984 to 1986. However, he made his first appearance in Doctor Who as Commander Maxil in the story Arc of Infinity (1983) and was one of the few characters to actually shoot the Doctor, then played by Peter Davison.
Sunday Guests:
Janet Fielding
Janet Fielding is known for her role as Tegan Jovanka, a companion of the Fourth Doctor (Tom Baker), and later of the Fifth Doctor, (Peter Davison), however, she also made a guest appearance on Jim’ll Fix It in a Doctor Who-related sketch alongside Colin Baker’s Doctor in 1985 (A Fix with Sontarans) and played Mel during Sylvester McCoy’s audition for the part of the Seventh Doctor!
Sarah Sutton
Sarah Sutton is best known for her role as Nyssa in Doctor Who. Nyssa was first the companion to Tom Baker and then to Peter Davison, from 1981 to 1983. Sarah has reprised her role in several of the Big Finish Productions Doctor Who audio dramas, as well as appearing in the one-off 50th anniversary comedy homage The Five(ish) Doctors.
Shobna Gulati
Shobna has become a household name for her role as Anita in Victoria Wood’s “dinnerladies” and as Sunita, in ‘Coronation Street’, however, Shobna has recently joined the cast of Doctor Who as Najia Khan in Arachnids in the UK and Demons of the Punjab.
Louise Jameson
Louise is best known for her appearances in British TV series EastEnders, Doctor Who, Bergerac, and Tenko. Louise appeared as Leela, the leather-clad barbarian warrior companion of the fourth Doctor (40 episodes from 1977-8). Jameson continues to reprise the characters of Leela and Anne Reynolds in audio plays produced by Big Finish Productions.
Katy Manning
Katy is best known for her part as the companion Jo Grant (1971–73) alongside Jon Pertwee’s incarnation of the Doctor. Katy voices Jo Grant in the Companion Chronicles Audio Adventures, and she is also the voice of the Time Lord Iris Wildthyme in several of the Big Finish Productions. Katy returned to Doctor Who in the Sarah Jane Adventures with Matt Smith as Jo Jones and has featured in audio adventures for the last 12 years as Time Lady Iris Wildethyme.
This weekend, attendees of London Comic Con will be able to visit the first ever official Doctor Who stand from BBC Studios.
The stand will feature a number of exclusive opportunities including the TARDIS prop used during filming of Series 11, a preview of the first-ever official Doctor Who escape game and a bunch of exclusive merchandise!
Here’s a bit more detail of what’s on offer…
Take a selfie with the The TARDIS
Visitors to London Comic Con will be able to admire the Thirteenth Doctor’s TARDIS featured in the actual show. Take a selfie and pose like the Doctor and friends with the actual prop used by Jodie Whittaker!
Preview the first ever official Doctor Who Live Escape Game
Doctor Who fans will be able to test themselves against the clock with a world-first taster experience of the new Doctor Who-themed escape game, Worlds Collide. The ‘Worlds Collide Escape Cube’ is designed as a fun prequel to the escape room game launching later this year.
Fans can also enter an Escape Hunt competition to become one of the first in the UK to experience the full game with up to five other friends at their nearest venue. To enter, fans must simply like a picture of the ‘Worlds Collide Escape Cube’ taster experience at Comic Con on Escape Hunt UK’s Facebook page (T&Cs apply).
Exclusive merchandise
Be the first to buy the new “Dr Thirteenth” book from the world of Roger Hargreaves, creators of Mr Men & Little Miss, and “The Secret in Vault 13” from renowned children’s author David Solomons.
The cover of The Secret in Vault 13 illustrated by Laura Ellen AndersonThe cover of Dr. Thirteenth
Get an exclusive t-shirt when you buy a copy of the new “The Women Who Lived” book from Penguin Random House.
Be the first in the world to see the new Thirteenth Doctor Barbie up close!
MCM London Comic Con is hosted at ExCeL London at the Royal Victoria Dock between 26th and 28th October.
Win a ticket to the opening night of the new Doctor Who exhibit at Madame Tussauds, Blackpool!
Madame Tussauds Blackpool – already home to many a Marvel Superhero – is launching a brand new Doctor Who area next Thursday night (18th October) and downthetubes has TEN tickets to the Opening Night give away!
Yes- Doctor Who is returning to Blackpool, once location for a much-loved dedicated exhibition between 1974 and 1985.
The new Doctor Who area has been inspired by the much-loved TV show and includes a TARDIS, themed areas and even a Jodie Whittaker wax figure.
This evening will be a great opportunity to see the attraction and have a first look at this exciting new area – and to be in with a chance to win one of TEN tickets, all you need to do is answer the question below by Wednesday 17th October at 12 noon.
The prize is ONLY admission to the Launch Night, it doesn’t cover travel or other expenses.
THE QUESTION: In which English city is “The Woman Who Fell to Earth” mainly set?
Send your answer to downthetubesnet@yahoo.co.uk by Wednesday 17th October at 12 noon.
Please include your name and address in the body of the email – this is only for the purposes of making it easier to make the draw, not for any data collection. No data will be shared with Madame Tussauds, other than winner’s names and a unique means to identify them.
Good luck!
Doctor Who and Marvel Super Heroes are part of the main Madame Tussauds Blackpool attraction and is included in the ticket price, starting from £13.50 for children and £18.00 for adults (additional 20% discount available when tickets are booked online).
For the first time in a while, we have a TARDIS team made up of the Doctor and three regular companions. Chris Chibnall explained how this head-count harks back to the show’s classic era:
“What we’ve tried to do a lot this year is trace that golden thread back to 1963, back to the work that people did. We are standing on the shoulders of giants of television. Of Verity Lambert, Anthony Coburn, David Whittaker and Waris Hussain. All those people who created the show.
What’s the format of Doctor Who? If you’re talking about the pilot episode, it’s 3 people travelling in time and space with the Doctor. So really, it’s just connecting it back to that and going ‘What does this look and feel like in 2018?’”
“It’s not fake chemistry”
On meeting co-star Tosin Cole for the first time, Jodie Whittaker recalled:
“The first time I met Tosin and Mandip was in their recall. Tosin had been away and was like “who’s this in my audition?”. He didn’t know who I was.”.
She explained that Tosin thought they had hired an actor just to do the scenes with him but, eventually, the penny dropped and Tosin realised he was stood opposite THE Doctor!
Jodie recalled meeting Mandip Gill for the first time and how hearing her stories made her think: “that is my new best friend.” and said it was a pleasure being able to “steal” Bradley Walsh (or as Tosin calls him, “SHOWBIZ!”) for nine months of filming.
“It’s not fake chemistry, we really get along and love each other.”
Inclusivity
Chris Chibnall spoke about the diversity in their casting and the stories they will tell in upcoming episodes:
“What does Doctor Who look like in 2018? That was it. Across the production and onscreen, a lot of diversity in our casting. And the show will tell stories from perspectives we’ve never seen before.”
Matt Strevens emphasised the importance of the Doctor’s friends being the eyes of the audience, adding:
“It was important that those friends represent everyone out there that’s watching.”
Later in the Q&A, the panel talked about Ryan’s dyspraxia, revealed in the first episode of the new series.
“My nephew has dyspraxia, I have friends with kids who have dyspraxia… We worked with the Dyspraxia Foundation in the UK. That’s not an episodic story, it will carry on, it’s a part of him, but there are lots of defining parts to Ryan and that is one of them.”
The Doctor’s new clothes
The audience seemed thrilled that the Doctor’s new outfit is practical with trousers boots and pockets, prompting a huge cheer when host Maude Garrett mentioned it. Jodie added: “The Doctor can’t not have a pocket”.
Jodie explained that the costume was a “collaborative and creative journey” that she had a say in.
“One of the images I sent which I didn’t actually mean to send as a costume reference, was a black and white image of a woman walking with purpose, deep in thought with boots, braces and a t-shirt.
It has the fun element of a t-shirt, it has the timelessness of a pleat in a trouser leg. From far away, it was genderless.”
Jodie told the audience that this image was her and the team’s starting-off point. She then went on to talk about the coat and the choices of colour used:
“I wanted to reflect the moments of brightness, but the coat’s interior lining is a dark blue, I felt like it represented the space I was falling through in this episode. The exterior is like a dawn sky.
Every single stitch, every single cut and every piece of lining has a meaning but I won’t tell you, I’ll wait until it’s over because the best thing for me is you guys wear it and you own it. It’s yours, and those things means something to you. And then one day I’ll share.”
Stunts
The panel touched upon some of the stunts in the first episode, particularly the crane jump the Doctor performs towards the end of the episode. Jodie explained:
“On day 2 of the entire shoot, that was terrifying and exhilarating, and everything it should be to work on Doctor Who…
It was brilliant! And I got to do it quite a few times!”
Jodie’s casting
Eventually, the audience got to ask a few questions to the panel. When asked what type of lasting impact her casting as the first female Doctor will have, Jodie replied:
“I want it to be such a second of history, that it becomes forgotten, [it] becomes the norm.”
Chris Chibnall added:
“Everyone in the world talks about division at the moment, and that’s really hard. I think the Doctor is a great symbol of unity and when the Doctor can be male, female and gender non-binary as well, I think the most important thing for me, certainly for my kids growing up, is they can look up to men and women and that heroes come in all shapes and sizes, genders, sexualities, and ethnicities. That’s rule number 1 for the world and I hope this season of Doctor Who shows you that.”
You can watch the full panel from New York Comic Con here:
The second episode of the new series entitled The Ghost Monument will air Sunday 14th October at 6:55pm BST
Doctor Who returns to BBC1 on Sunday 7th October 2018, with a radical new look.
The Doctor Who Appreciation Society invites fans, whether members or not, who wish to celebrate the new series and the new Doctor, to join us for the first episode at:
Saks Bar,
Clifftown Road,
Southend
(Opposite Southend Central Railway Station)
The main bar will be open and the Underground club has been reserved for us, where the episode will be shown on the big screens. You can come in any time from 5pm onwards.
Tickets for the party are FREE – just remember to buy a few drinks at the venue!
Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?
As this is a licensed premises you need to be at least 14 to enter. Drinks can only be bought by partons who are 18+
What are my transport/parking options for getting to and from the event?
You can drive and park nearby, or take the bus or train. Southend Central station (C2C line) is opposite the venue. At the time of publication there are no engineerign works affecting the line from London Fenchurch Street.
How can I contact the organiser with any questions?
Drop us a line at events@dwasonline.co.uk
Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?
Please bring either your printed ticket or your e-ticket on your phone/tablet
Can I update my registration information?
Yes you can – log into your Event Brite account or drop us a line
Is my registration fee or ticket transferrable?
Tickets are free. If you cannot use yours please do not give it to someone us but let us know so we can reallocate it. Tickets should not be sold on or transferred
Is it ok if the name on my ticket or registration doesn’t match the person who attends?
The booker’s name will be on tickets and we ask that this person attends.
Do I need to be a DWAS membere to attend?
You do not, no. All you need to be, is a Doctor Who fan who is looking forward to the new series and the new Doctor!
I have mobility issues. Am I still able to attend?
Yes of course, but as everybody has different needs, we strongly recommend that you consult with the venue directly, in advance, to ensure you are able to access the party and have a good time. There are some stairs. For more detailed accessibility information, you can call Saks on 01702 332179 or visit the webiste at www.saksbar.co.uk
Can I bring my own food/drink/refreshments in?
No!
