Christian Cawley's Blog, page 346

Moffat and Tennant at the TV Choice Awards

Christian Cawley is a writer at Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews - All the latest Doctor Who news and reviews with our weekly podKast, features and interviews, and a long-running forum.

At last week’s TV Choice Awards, Doctor Who was the recipient of the Outstanding Contribution to TV gong, which was presented on stage to Steven Moffat… by Peter Davison.

What then transpires is family in jokes, funny lines about getting awards for Doctor Who from Doctor Who because Doctor Who can’t make it as he is filming Doctor Who and eventually a united front with Moffat, Davison and some boke called David Tennant all appearing on stage together.

In fact, it’s worth watching, if only for Tennant’s closing line (which we won’t spoil here).

Most of us didn’t make it – but you can watch the moment here (after the annoying advert)…

The post Moffat and Tennant at the TV Choice Awards appeared first on Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews.

The Lost Stories: The Queen of Time

Meredith Burdett is a writer at Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews - All the latest Doctor Who news and reviews with our weekly podKast, features and interviews, and a long-running forum.

October’s release in the Doctor Who Lost Stories range is a Second Doctor oddity that finds the quirky incarnation of our favourite Time Lord falling into a trap outside of the Universe in The Queen of Time.

Somewhere outside our universe, she is waiting.

A god-like immortal, living in a realm of clocks. The hours tick slowly by as she plots and plans. She is readying her trap. A trap for a very special man in a very special police box.

Hecuba has all the time in the world. But for the Doctor, time is running out.

This adventure was originally written by Doctor Who legend Brian Hayles and has been adapted to audio for Big Finish by Catherine Harvey. Directed by Lisa Bowerman (Bernice Summerfield) and performed by Frazer Hines as Jamie McCrimmon, Wendy Padbury as Zoe Heriot and Caroline Faber as Hecuba, expect another spot on recreation of the Troughton era with this story thanks n part to the ever fantastic Second Doctor performance that Frazer Hines always turns in.

You can pre order The Queen of Time from www.bigfinish.com on CD for £12.99 or via download for £10.99.

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Moffat Hinting at Christmas Revelations?

Drew Boynton is a writer at Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews - All the latest Doctor Who news and reviews with our weekly podKast, features and interviews, and a long-running forum.

The Fall of the Eleventh may also topple some long-standing questions!In the new issue of Doctor Who Magazine (#465, the one with the very nifty five Doctors cover), Steven Moffat breezily brings up some “What-What-WHATs?” from his tenure as showrunner that may finally see some answers…

“Oh, never mind the TARDIS blowing up, what about the endless, bitter war Kovarian was on about? And what’s Trenzalore? And the oldest question in the universe? And what exactly do they mean, silence will fall? Anyway, I’m off to a readthrough…”

A person always has to take Moffat’s comments with a grain of salt, but at least this is promising. I’m not embarrassed to admit that I’m still a bit confused when it comes to some of the plot elements in series five and six. It was hard enough trying to keep track of River’s identity and timeline–not to mention trying to keep count of how many times Rory could die!

One question has to be asked, though: Did The Grand Moff always plan to answer these questions with the inevitable exit of Matt Smith’s Eleven, or have fans and others persuaded him to finally tie up some of these mysteries? Whatever the case, hopefully we will find out the answers to these questions–and more!–when the Christmas Special airs, well, this Christmas.

Are there any questions left that Moffat hasn’t addressed that you would like to see answered once and for all?

The post Moffat Hinting at Christmas Revelations? appeared first on Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews.

Three Doctor Who E-novellas In New Compendium

Christian Cawley is a writer at Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews - All the latest Doctor Who news and reviews with our weekly podKast, features and interviews, and a long-running forum.

BBC Books has announced that its three bestselling Doctor Who e-novellas – Summer Falls, The Angel’s Kiss and Devil in the Smoke - will be released in paperback in October.

Summer Falls by Amelia Williams

(Inspired by the Doctor Who episode The Bells of Saint John)

In the seaside village of Watchcombe, young Kate is determined to make the most of her last week of summer holiday. But when she discovers a mysterious painting entitled ‘The Lord of Winter’ in a charity shop, it leads her on an adventure she never could have planned. The painting is a puzzle – and with the help of some bizarre new acquaintances, she plans on solving it…

Amelia Williams is the editor of the famous Melody Malone series of crime novels, and a bestselling author of several books for children. She lives in New York with her husband Rory and their young son, Anthony. They have a grown-up daughter, Melody, who works as an archaeologist.

The Angel’s Kiss by Melody Malone

(Inspired by the episode, The Angels Take Manhattan)

Detective Melody Malone has an unexpected caller: movie star Rock Railton thinks someone is out to kill him – and when he mentions the ‘kiss of the Angel’, she takes the case. At the press party for Railton’s latest movie, studio owner Max Kliener invites Melody to become their next star. But the cost of fame, she’ll soon discover, is greater than anyone could possibly imagine.

Melody Malone is the owner and sole employee of the Angel Detective Agency in Manhattan. She is possibly married but lives alone usually, and is older than both her parents. Sometimes.

Devil in the Smoke by Mr Justin Richards

(Inspired by the episode, The Snowmen)

On a cold day in December, two young boys, tired of sweeping snow from the workhouse yard, decide to build a snowman – and are confronted with a strange and grisly mystery. In horrified fascination, they watch as their snowman begins to bleed… The search for answers to this impossible event will plunge Harry into the most hazardous – and exhilarating – adventure of his life.

Mr Justin Richards is a noted author of fictional fantasies concerning the continuing exploits of a mysterious traveller in space and time known only as ‘the Doctor’. He has also chronicled the fantastical events of the Victorian era in his novels The Death Collector, The Parliament of Blood and The Chamber of Shadows.

Published by BBC Books in paperback on 24th October 2013, this collection of stories has an RRP of £7.99 but can be ordered now from Amazon for just £5.75, a saving of 28%!

The post Three Doctor Who E-novellas In New Compendium appeared first on Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews.

York’s Doctor Who Bonfire Night Celebration!

Philip Bates is a writer at Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews - All the latest Doctor Who news and reviews with our weekly podKast, features and interviews, and a long-running forum.

Remember, remember the 3rd of November.

That’s when Rawcliffe County Park, York, will celebrate both Doctor Who and Bonfire Night in style, incorporating fireworks with 3D effects and celebrity lookalikes. The Kaboom spectacular will mix pretty lights in the sky with lasers and special lighting while the audience equip themselves with 3D glasses, creating a truly unique effect.

David Tennant lookalike, Nigel Sumner, will be doing his best impression of Kasterborous Associate Editor, Brian A. Terranova the Tenth Doctor, and Gary Goldthorpe takes on the mantle of Guy Fawkes.

There’ll also be a bonfire, so maybe Gary should be ready to run.

In addition to the Doc, a Cyberman and Dalek will be patrolling the area, and a TARDIS will stand proudly as well (though it’s unconfirmed whether it actually travels through time and space or not).

On 5th November, York Maze will have a firework display too, held at their incredible Dalek-shaped maze that celebrates the show’s 50th anniversary.

Rockin’ Horse Promotions’ Mark Brayshaw says:

“Our 3D fireworks glasses use Holographic Diffraction Lenses – Highly efficient, 13,500 lines per inch., double axis, holographic diffraction grating lenses. Holographic diffraction grating lenses separate light from any source into its spectral components.

 

Yes, our fireworks will be moving towards you in 3D and the glasses will then change them into a kaleidoscope of rainbow colours.”

Sounds quite mind-blowing actually!

Now, remind me again: why do we celebrate a terrorist group trying to blow up parliament…?

To find out more – including how to get tickets – head over to the York Press!

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Jail Time For Fake Autograph Vendor?

Rebecca Crockett is a writer at Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews - All the latest Doctor Who news and reviews with our weekly podKast, features and interviews, and a long-running forum.

That’s the possible future a Norfolk man is facing for knowingly selling fake autographs of various celebrities, including David Tennant, Billie Piper, and Karen Gillan.

Andrew Sullivan, 50, of Heath Road, Lyng, was in Norwich Crown Court on a confiscation hearing where prosecutors presented that he knowingly sold fake autographs via eBay, some with authentication certificates, claiming they were genuine, and has pocketed approximately £35,000 from unsuspecting fans.

Sullivan was found in possession of a number of photos of Tennant, Piper, and Gillan, all bearing fake signatures, as well as false authentication certificates. He has admitted to selling similar items on eBay, as well as a string of fraud charges including -

…possession of an article for use in fraud and participating in a fraudulent business between November 1, 2009, and November 6, 2011, by knowingly carrying on an internet business for a fraudulent purpose, namely by retailing forged and unauthorised celebrity memorabilia.

There was also a subsequent investigation by the BBC into possible copyright infringement, to which Sullivan also admitted guilt.

The hearing was adjourned till 14th October in hopes that some of the money Sullivan netted might be reclaimed.

I am always leery to believe anything being sold on the web that claims to be a real signature or costume piece, etc., unless it is from something like a charity auction that has been well publicized, or a very trusted source, like a show’s owners. I feel bad for all of the people who were scammed. I would also much rather prefer to get such things as autographs in person because then I know just how authentic they really are!

Have you ever bought such items online? Was the experience a positive one?

(via Eastern Daily Press)

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Doctor Who Figurine Collection Running Order Confirmed

Danny_Weasel is a writer at Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews - All the latest Doctor Who news and reviews with our weekly podKast, features and interviews, and a long-running forum.

Eaglemoss, the people behind the new Doctor Who Figurine Collection, have released a list of the first twenty-three characters that will be available in the 80+ figurine collection through the collection’s official Facebook page.

There are a few surprises lurking in the predominantly Nu-Who line up; namely a Cyberman from Troughton serial The Invasion and Omega appearing in the first twenty, while non of the incarnations of The Master make the opening line up, as you can see below:

1. Eleventh Doctor (Matt Smith)

2. Davros

3. Cyber Controller

4. Weeping Angel

5. Silurian

6. Bronze Dalek

7. Sontaran

8. Tenth Doctor ( David Tennant)

9. Ice Warrior

10. Silent

11. Rassilon

12. Ood

13. Dalek Suprerme

14. Cyberman (2013)

15. Omega

16. Vashta Narada

17. Fourth Doctor (Tom Baker)

18, Judoon

19. Dalek Dead Planet

20. Sycorax

21. Cyberman (Invasion)

22. Ninth Doctor (Eccleston)

23. Heavenly Host

 

Not so much of a surprise is the inclusion of Tom Baker as the only classic Doctor to appear in the first quarter of the collection, as arguably the most iconic and recognizable incarnation he was always going to be a favorite for early release.

Even by Nu-Who standards there seem to be some odd choices for a collection that will most likely live or die by its opening selection, and subsequent subscription uptake, with the likes of the Heavenly Host and Rassilon, assuming of course that we are talking about Timothy Dalton as opposed to the more portly portrayal seen in The Five Doctors.

But who, or what, else can we expect from the collection. Has this opening salvo piqued your interest or has the lack of equal portions of classic put you off a little? Drop us a line below and let us hear what you think about the line up so far.

The post Doctor Who Figurine Collection Running Order Confirmed appeared first on Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews.

Every Single Doctor Who Episode In Just One Hour?

Drew Boynton is a writer at Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews - All the latest Doctor Who news and reviews with our weekly podKast, features and interviews, and a long-running forum.

A person can do lots of things in one hour’s time: Have a nice lunch. Send a lengthy e-mail. Take K-9 for a leisurely walk.

But watch every single episode of Doctor Who ever made in just an hour? To paraphrase the Eleventh Doctor, it’s NOT possible!

Well, a group of Australian performers has figured out a way. And not just by inventing their own TARDIS. Led by comedian Patrick “Doublethreat” Magee, the four actors will be putting on a show called “Every Episode of Doctor Who Ever (Live on Stage)”.

In an article on io9.com, Magee says it wasn’t easy:

“How do you condense fifty years and seven hundred and ninety eight episodes into an hour? By my calculations, that works out to four and a half seconds per episode – will the audience accept a four-and-a-half second snatch of Episode Five of The Sensorites if it means they have to miss out on the whole of the Pandorica speech?”

So apparently the funnyman did something very timey-wimey (or just completely off-the-wall) and gives a clue:

So we’ve had to be clever. Very clever. Almost indescribably clever. For example, we’re doing the Pertwee era as the Brigadier trying to justify his increasingly ridiculous expenses to the MoD. Our Sixth Doctor is an excessively violent football player with a tendency to push opposing team-members into conveniently placed acid baths. Tom Baker is… well. You’ll have to come and see the show, won’t you?

The idea of trying to pack 50 years of material into one single hour onstage does seem to have some comedy potential…but to see it live, you’ll have to go to Sydney, Australia very soon. Very, very soon. The show has already opened but you can still catch it on September 25th, and 26th.

Hopefully, EEoDWELoS will be a huge success and Mr. Magee and company will bring it to conventions and stages a little closer to home!

So, Kasterborites, what’s the most Doctor Who you’ve ever packed into an hour?

The post Every Single Doctor Who Episode In Just One Hour? appeared first on Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews.

Vote for Radio Times’ Greatest Cover

Andrew Reynolds is a writer at Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews - All the latest Doctor Who news and reviews with our weekly podKast, features and interviews, and a long-running forum.

Magazine covers; Sometimes they’re cheeky, sometimes they’re sexy, and in the case of those selected by The Professional Publishers Association, they can be works of art too.

And what else on TV has the capacity to be a work of art? Doctor Who of course!

So the Radio Times have smartly (and a little shamelessly, those scamps!) suggested that for both the shows 50th and their 90th anniversary year, you could do no better than voting for their iconic ‘Vote Dalek’ cover from 2005 in the race to find the best magazine cover of the last hundred years.

Still not convinced by the image? Then why not read a little about its inception from the RT:

“It was election week, so we chose to photograph the Daleks looming across Westminster Bridge, a shoot that took weeks to organise – and a feat that’s just been repeated by Mark Gatiss and the crew of Who bio-drama An Adventure in Space and Time, which you’ll see later this year.”

There are just too many serendipitous events colliding together in one wibbly ball of anniversary fun here to not vote for it!

Convinced? Then why not head to the PPA website and cast your vote. What’s more, as the event draws to a close, why not go back the next day and vote again, and again, and again…

(Via Radio Times.)

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It’s Doctor Who’s Unofficial Birthday!

Christian Cawley is a writer at Kasterborous Doctor Who News and Reviews - All the latest Doctor Who news and reviews with our weekly podKast, features and interviews, and a long-running forum.

It isn’t only the queen who gets two birthdays – Doctor Who, which celebrates its 50th anniversary on 23rd November, was first filmed on this day in 1963!

The travellers escape their first adventure in Doctor Who: 100,000 BC

As highlighted by the Radio Times website, the first shots – from the closing scene of An Unearthly Child, in which the TARDIS materialises, observed by members of the Tribe of Gum – were filmed 50 years ago today at Ealing Studios, prior to the main studio-based footage of William Hartnell, William Russell, Jacqueline Hill and Carole Ann Ford were recorded at Lime Grove Studios.

In many ways, this is the start of Doctor Who’s 50th anniversary…

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