Join the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the BBC Singers, directed by Alastair King, as they celebrate the glorious musical sounds of Doctor Who in this special 60th anniversary concert for Radio 2.
Featuring I Am The Doctor, Abigail’s Song, This Is Gallifrey, The Impossible Girl, I Am A Good Man, The Shepherd’s Boy and the timeless Doctor Who Theme as brilliantly imagined by composers Murray Gold and Segun Akinola.
There’s also a trip back in time to the classic years of Doctor Who from the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s featuring the vintage synthesisers of BBC Radiophonic Workshop veterans Mark Ayres and Peter Howell. Plus a look ahead to the keenly awaited 60th anniversary specials on BBC One later in the year.
Special guests include Russell T Davies, Steven Moffat and Chris Chibnall.
GNR has just received confirmation that this concert will air on BBC Radio 2 as part of their “Sunday Night is Music Night” strand on 15th October 2023 at 20:00 (BST), the concert duration is 1 hour, 57 minutes.
ADVENTURES IN TIME AND SPACE – 60 YEARS OF DOCTOR WHO ART
It is claimed to be the largest collection of art from the programme ever shown.
ADVENTURES IN TIME AND SPACE – 60 YEARS OF DOCTOR WHO ART EXHIBITION Weston Museum 21 October 2023 – 27 January 2024
Allons-y, time travellers and art aficionados! Weston Museum is all set to take you on a nostalgia-filled ride with “Adventures in Time and Space – 60 Years of Doctor Who Art.” Celebrating the show’s whopping six decades of wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey greatness in November 2023. This exhibition promises to be a treat for all those who’ve shared an adventure with the Doctor.
Hold onto your sonic screwdrivers as we journey back to the roots of the longest-running Sci-Fi extravaganza known to humanity. From the classic era that graced our screens from 1963 to 1989, to the modern reboot that’s been stealing our hearts since 2005, this exhibition is a heart-warming journey for Doctor Who fans of all generations.
This is the largest collection of original and digital art from and about the programme ever shown in one location.
Expect to be greeted by the images of familiar faces of the Doctors we’ve cherished through the years – from the stern charm of William Hartnell to the iconic scarf-swirling of Tom Baker, the cheeky charm of David Tennant, the ground-breaking brilliance of Jodie Whittaker, and with the excitement of the new Ncuti Gatwa. And of course, it wouldn’t be a Doctor Who affair without our favourite villains – the Daleks, Cybermen, and a host of creatures that have given the Doctor a run for their money across time and space.
The exhibition unfolds like the pages of a well-worn book, displaying iconic book covers, a blast from the past with those VHS video covers we all remember (oh, the nostalgia!), annuals, comics, and graphic novels that have kept us hooked. To add a sprinkle of that quintessential Doctor Who magic, there’s even a painting that made its debut on the show itself.
We’ve dived into the TARDIS of artistic archives, rounding up an exceptional collection from private art collectors and dedicated fans who’ve lovingly held onto these visual treasures. Marvel at the original cover art of the very first Doctor Who Annual from way back in 1965 – the colours as vivid as a freshly regenerated Time Lord. We’ve joined forces with Doctor Who’s very own artistic time-travellers, securing their prized works from their dusty vaults and bringing them to life with high-resolution digital wizardry.
This artistic ensemble features legends like Andrew Skilleter, whose art has become as timeless as the Doctor’s adventures, and Chris Achilleos, the genius behind the iconic covers of the Target Doctor Who novels. There’s also Colin Howard, the artist responsible for those captivating video covers, the legendary Dave Gibbons of Marvel comics fame, pop culture chronicler Jeff Cummins, and storyboard extraordinaire Mike Collins from Bad Wolf Studios. The line-up continues with Jessica Martin, Bill Donohoe, David McAllister, Lee Binding, Lee Sullivan, Sophie Leong, Gwen Burns, Eren Angiolini, and the dynamic duo Anthony Dry & Stuart Crouch.
‘Don’t blink’ for an expedition that transcends time and space, as we celebrate the legacy of Doctor Who through a captivating display of artistry and many other Dr Who events that will take place during the run of the exhibition. The exhibition was organised by the South West Heritage Trust and Events of Wonder.
ADVENTURES IN TIME AND SPACE – 60 YEARS OF DOCTOR WHO ART EXHIBITION Weston Museum 21 October 2023 – 27 January 2024
Doctor Who @ 60: A Musical Celebration announced by BBC Radio 2
An epic concert will be broadcast on BBC Radio 2 this autumn to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Doctor Who.
The event joins a packed line-up of festivities, which include Russell T Davies’s trilogy of special episodes – leading into the much-anticipated season 14 – and a new Big Finish storyline titled Once and Future.
Doctor Who @ 60: A Musical Celebration will take place at BBC Hoddinott Hall in the Wales Millennium Centre, Cardiff, where the BBC National Orchestra of Wales and the BBC Singers will perform iconic tracks from the show.
Work by composers including Murray Gold, Segun Akinola, Dudley Simpson and Paddy Kingsland will be featured, along with the unforgettable theme music dreamt up by Delia Derbyshire and Ron Grainer.
Alastair King will be on-hand to conduct the singers, while Doctor Who showrunner Russell TDavies and returning composer Gold are also expected to be in attendance.
More news will be announced in due course, ahead of the concert being held and broadcast on BBC Radio 2 in the autumn.
News that Gold is back on Doctor Who was certainly music to the ears of many fans, after his legendary work during Davies’s first run on the show included dramatic themes for The Doctor, three companions and several formidable foes.
It will be a thrill to see what he can come up with for the new era of the show, which sees Sex Education’s Ncuti Gatwa take on the role of The Doctor, with Coronation Street’s Millie Gibson as his human companion, Ruby Sunday.
Legends of classic Doctor Who gathered to pay tribute to Patrick Troughton as a plaque was unveiled in his honour at his former school.
The Doctor Who Appreciation Society, the show’s longest-running fan club, collaborated with Mill Hill School in London to place the plaque at the school’s Patrick Troughton Theatre.
Sylvester McCoy, who played the Seventh Doctor, Sophie Aldred, who played Ace, and Frazer Hines, who played Jamie McCrimmon, were among those pictured in attendance to celebrate the actor, best known as the Second Doctor.
Carole Ann Ford (Susan), actors Hugh Frasers and Michael Jayston, and director Graeme Harper were also among those attending, alongside Troughton’s children Joanna and Michael.
McCoy shared a picture of himself with the plaque, tweeting: “Respect.”
Aldred shared a snap of herself and McCoy, referencing the show’s legacy and writing on Instagram: “Very lovely event celebrating Patrick Troughton, who I sadly never met, but to whom I owe this long career in Dr Who: Without his genius as Doctor no. 2, we wouldn’t still be going!”
Thanks so much to DWAS and Mill School for arranging the Patrick Troughton blue plaque unveiling event. So many lovely friends and colleagues of Dad’s took the time to celebrate with us. pic.twitter.com/i0tcaIQPSo
What a lovely event. I never met Patrick Troughton, but I owe him my Dr Who career; without his brilliance as Dr no2, it would have fizzled out. pic.twitter.com/S0UcR5DkQG
Doctor Who Am I, the upcoming documentary exploring the legacy of the 1996 Paul McGann-starring Doctor Who TV movie, has had its UK release delayed – but not by long.
While the film was originally slated for a cinema release on Thursday 13th October, followed by a DVD and digital launch on Monday 7th November, this has now all been shifted back slightly.
This means the film will now debut in select UK cinemas on Thursday 27th October, and will be available on Blu-ray, DVD and digital download from 28th November.
The 80-minute film has been co-directed by Vanessa Yuille and Matthew Jacobs, with Yuille saying: “We’re a small movie with a big heart, and [distributor] Kaleidoscope saw that right away.
Paul McGann in Doctor Who Am I. Kaleidoscope Entertainment
“Teaming up with Kaleidoscope is a perfect match for us because even though we’re an American movie, they understand the Doctor Who franchise and the global reach of the fandom. They can bring our documentary from the Whoniverse to the Universe.”
Jacobs added: “Now, more than ever, we need a positive movie about Doctor Who fandom as we move towards the show’s 60th anniversary. We’re so excited Kaleidoscope, like audiences have, recognise that.”
Doctor Who Am I follows the screenwriter of the Eighth Doctor film, Matthew Jacobs, as he drags himself back into the sci-fi show’s fanbase despite the disapproval that fans expressed when it was first released.
It’s set to feature interviews and segments with the original cast of the 1996 film, including McGann, Eric Roberts, who played The Master, and Daphne Ashbrook, who played Dr Grace Holloway.
Doctor Who Am I is released in UK cinemas on 27th October, and on Blu-ray, DVD & digital download from 28th November.
Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder science exhibition to land in Scotland
The Time Lord will land at the National Museum of Scotland in December.
A range of hands-on immersive experiences and interactive features will take visitors on a journey through space.
The “mind-bending” science behind Doctor Who is to be explored at an exhibition in Edinburgh this year.
The Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder exhibition is set to take place at the National Museum of Scotland (NMS) this December, and will feature eight zones where visitors can explore scientific topics from the world’s long-running adventure show.
A range of hands-on immersive experiences and interactive features, produced by design experts Sarner International, will take visitors on a journey through space.
Guests will be able venture into a Tardis tech room and explore the science behind time travel asking whether it really is possible, as well as the Monster Vault, where they can get up close with some of the weird and wonderful characters that have appeared throughout the years.
The exhibition premiered at National Museums Liverpool’s World Museum, but will make its Scottish premiere on December 10 and will run until May 1, 2023.
Alison Cromarty, head of exhibitions and design at NMS, said: “We are tremendously excited to be bringing this exhibition to Scotland. From the wonder of the science fiction of the TV show to our present-day understanding of the big scientific topics it touches on, there is something for everyone.”
Doctor Who has a number of strong Scottish connections. To date three Scots, Sylvester McCoy, David Tennant and Peter Capaldi have played the role of The Doctor, with a fourth, Ncuti Gatwa, recently announced to take over the role.
Other notable cast members have included Companions Karen Gillan and Neve McIntosh as well as Michelle Gomez as Missy (The Master), with Alan Cumming having also appeared recently as King James VI and I.
Ed Cookson, projects director, Sarner International: “For almost 60 years Doctor Who has been exploring mind-bending scientific developments.
“The iconic characters, monsters, stories, and settings of the television series provide a perfect guide through the wondrous worlds of space, time and science.”
Cushing 4K Dalek Films Get BFI & Riverside Studios Launch
Dr. Who Dalek movie 4K restorations preview at the BFI
Hosted at BFI Southbank in London, this unique event featured a screening of both classic Dalek movies separated by a Q&A session with members of the cast and crew. The venue has hosted screenings of the Doctor Who television series to tie in with releases of The Collection boxsets. It was an incredible thrill for these two iconic movie versions to be given the prominence they rightly deserve. Plus, it is a genuine thrill to see something intended for the big screen on the big screen. Even more exciting to see a full-size bright red movie Dalek in the foyer!
Q&A
Joining fans at BFI Southbank to see both films were special guests Roberta Tovey and Jill Curzon, as well as Anthony Waye (the assistant director of both films). After Dr Who and the Daleks had been screened, a Q&A session covered both films. Although the memories had faded slightly, there were plenty of enjoyable anecdotes.
Roberta Tovey had had difficulty completing her study sessions during recording breaks with Roy Castle down the hallway playing his trumpet and tap dancing away! Jill Curzon spoke of the Sherlock Holmes-inspired tweed ensemble with yellow suede boots with two zips on the front. The footwear wasn’t entirely suited for all the running required during the film! Similarly, Anthony Waye spoke of the difficulties of trying to coordinate multiple Daleks! Although it transpired that the panel were unfamiliar with the current incarnation of the television programme, their insight into their original productions was riveting.
A special panel discussion begins on the restorations of the first ever Dr. Who films at the @BFI with Anthony Waye, Roberta Tovey and Jill Curzon: pic.twitter.com/qoc11Ec8jH
DR. WHO AND THE DALEKS/DALEK’S INVASION EARTH 2150 A.D. + INTRODUCTION AT RIVERSIDE STUDIOS
The Daleks are back on the big screen in two newly remastered 4K classic movies starring Peter Cushing – Dr. Who and the Daleks (1965) and Daleks’ Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. (1966). Writer and critic Kim Newman will introduce the double bill at a special screening at Riverside Studios’ new cinema on Sunday 10th July. Tickets can be booked at the link:
Directed by Gordon Flemyng, featuring the legendary Peter Cushing as everyone’s favourite Timelord and also starring Roy Castle, Bernard Cribbins, Jennie Linden and Roberta Tovey.
Dr. Who and the Daleks (1965) and Daleks Invasion Earth 2150 A.D. (1966) were the first time the good Doctor was ever seen in colour and on the big screen! Despite not being part of the BBC’s Doctor Who IP, these films have remained a firm favourite amongst fans and are much loved by fans across the world.
A 15 min intermission will separate both films.
DR. WHO AND THE DALEKS
BBFC Cert: U
Runtime: 83 mins
DALEK’S INVASION EARTH: 2150 A.D.
BBFC Cert: PG
Runtime: 84 mins
Verity Lambert, TV legend and Doctor Who producer, honoured with blue plaque
Waris Hussein and Steven Moffat unveil the plaque together at Riverside Studios in London.
Some major names in the history of British television gathered on Sunday 29th May to honour the pioneering producer Verity Lambert, as Doctor Who’s very first director Waris Hussein and former showrunner Steven Moffat jointly unveiled a blue plaque on the wall of Riverside Studios in Hammersmith.
DWAS blue plaque for Verity Lambert at Riverside
As the first ever female producer in the BBC drama department, Verity made a name for herself launching Doctor Who in 1963. Across a long and prestigious career, she produced dozens of successful and fondly remembered programmes, such as Take Three Girls, Budgie, The Naked Civil Servant, Rock Follies, Edward and Mrs Simson, The Flame Trees of Thika, Minder and Jonathan Creek. She died in 2007.
There was a sense of déjà vu at Riverside (the former BBC studios-turned-arts venue) because the Doctor Who Appreciation Society had already installed the same plaque to Verity in 2014 – also unveiled by Waris Hussein. However, Riverside closed shortly afterwards for redevelopment. It reopened in 2019 but had hardly got up and running before the pandemic hit. So DWAS held Verity’s plaque in safekeeping and organised this second unveiling in 2022.
Those in attendance included many of her friends, colleagues and admirers, such as actors Caroline Quentin, Larry Lamb, Carole Ann Ford and Anna Carteret, writer Lynda La Plante, Philip Hinchcliffe (who produced Doctor Who in the 1970s), and even Michael Grade (the TV executive who notoriously cancelled Doctor Who in the 1980s). Clive Doig was there too. A vision mixer on the early Doctor Whos, he later devised many children’s programmes, and still provides the weekly Trackword in the Puzzle pages of Radio Times.
The main focus of the day was a screening of episode 1 of Shoulder to Shoulder, a 1974 BBC drama about the suffragettes and a passion project for Lambert. Two of its stars Dame Siân Phillips (who played Emmeline Pankhurst) and Lady Stephens aka Patricia Quinn (who played Christabel Pankhurst) formed a panel with the show’s director Hussein, together with Doctor Who legend Carole Ann Ford (who played the Doctor’s granddaughter Susan).
It was a special day for Verity Lambert, the DWAS and for the impressively refurbished Riverside Studios. Here are some photos from the event and from the Radio Times Archive…
Waris gazes at his old friend Verity Lambert, in a photo taken for her final Doctor Who episode Mission to the Unknown (1965)Steven Moffat and Waris Hussein speak about Verity Lambert’s legacy at Riverside Studios (2022)Verity Lambert plaque unveiled by Waris Hussein and Steven MoffatActress Carole Ann Ford, artist Alister Pearson and director Waris Hussein with Pearson’s artwork for the very first Doctor Who story, An Unearthly Child (1963).Q&A at Riverside Studios with Carole Ann Ford, Waris Hussein, Patricia Quinn, Siân Phillips and interviewer Martin Spellacey
A thrilling new interactive exhibition exploring the world of science within the universe of Doctor Who lands at World Museum in Liverpool and will run from —
The Exhibition
From epic monsters to costumes and props, science is brought to life exploring some of the Doctor’s many adventures and encounters through space and time.
This world premiere exhibition will see visitors engage with original artefacts, sets and much more – it’s a must-see for any fan of Doctor Who and science enthusiasts too.
Journeying through the world of Doctor Who, visitors will discover the science that weaves its way through the history of the longest-running sci-fi TV show in the world, which has been on our screens for almost 60 years.
Explore the past, present and future of the Earth and the vast reaches of the cosmos in this imaginative new exhibition, presented by Sarner International under license from BBC Studios.
Entry
Adults
£14 (advance) £16 (on the day)
Concession
£13 (advance) £15 (on the day)
Groups
Call the box office on 0151 478 4444
Children 6 – 17 years
£8 (advance) £10 (on the day)
Children aged 0-5 years
Free
Doctor Who: Time Fracture experience to close 3 months early
Immersive Doctor Who experience Time Fracture is closing its doors early, with the final shows taking place in early June.
The interactive theatrical experience, which has had a troubled run since it opened last year, was due to continue until early September.
The news was shared by the Doctor Who: Time Fracture Twitter account, with a statement reading:
“Our journey through space and time is coming to an end sooner than expected – but what a joyful journey this has been.”
Confirming the “final mission” would take place on 5th June 2022, it added: “Time Fracture is a love letter to Doctor Who and, despite facing extreme challenges over the past two years, we are extremely proud that its vision and ambition was so beautifully delivered.
“Thank you for being part of our wibbly wobbly, timey wimey adventure.”
Our journey through space and time is coming to an end sooner than expected – but what a joyful journey this has been.
Final mission* 05.06.22
Time Fracture is a love letter to Doctor Who and, despite facing extreme challenges over the past two years…
— Doctor Who: Time Fracture (@dwtimefracture) May 20, 2022
Fans who have tickets for a performance due to take place after 5th June will be contacted by their ticket suppliers soon and entitled to an exchange or refund.
In a statement a spokesperson said:
“After 12 months, Immersive Everywhere has taken the difficult decision to close Doctor Who Time Fracture in London on 6 June.
“This has been one of the most challenging times for the industry and while our mission to stop the Time Fracture and save the universe is on hold for now, we are grateful to the entire company, past and present, for making the experience so joyful for audiences.
“Ticket holders for shows on and after 6 June will be entitled to a full refund and will be contacted by the ticketing agent in due course.”
In July 2021, shortly after opening, Time Fracture was forced to shut its doors after sustaining serious flood damage. It opened again in November.
The immersive experience places fans at the centre of the action in an original story, with the synopsis reading: “For decades, UNIT have fought undetected to protect the people of Earth from the dangers it poses. Weakened and beaten back as the fracture’s multiplied out of control, they’re close to defeat.”
05.06.22