140 Characters: Scott Handcock

PJ Edmundson 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.

Who fandom, by whichever titles they go under, has always displayed a level of interest and devotion that is typical of science fiction, but more detailed, more committed and now, more in charge of the show itself. Through fanzines, fan productions evolving into DVD extras and additional Who franchises, Doctor Who fandom has produced a level of art form not replicated to such an extent in the UK and perhaps the world, based on a rolling work of fiction.

140 Characters would aim to create capsule interviews, with a series of short, simple questions, worded like a ‘tweet’ or a single text message, requiring an answer in the same succinct fashion. The questions below are all on or below 140 characters. The answers are the same.

Scott Handcock is a freelance writer, director and actor, having worked on Doctor Who for several years as part of the production team. He now writes and directs The Confessions of Dorian Gray series for Big Finish. He directed the recent Big Finish release of the classic Frankenstein, starring Arthur Darvill and Nicholas Briggs.

Have you always been an open fan of the show?

Oh yes! I was probably quite evangelical as a kid: I wanted to share this brilliant hero with everyone I knew. So glad they’re now aboard!

How involved in fandom have you been?

I love fandom. It’s a religious experience: a shared belief but personal expressions of that love that make it individual. They’re all fab!

How long have you been watching Doctor Who?

I’ve been watching Doctor Who ever since the early 90s. I fell into the wilderness years, but somehow that made it strangely thrilling…

When you first started watching Doctor Who, how old where you and where were you?

It was 1992, I was seven years old, living in leafy Bournville, Birmingham. Just down the road from Arthur Darvill, weirdly enough…

What was your very first episode of Doctor Who?

My very first episode was the 90s repeat of The Sea Devils. I still clearly remember the Doctor/Master sword fight!

How would you rate that episode now?

I think I was lucky to start with a classic. Even now, it’s such a different, atmospheric story. I adore the Target novelisation too!  

Is the Master the Doctor’s opposite number?

Ideally, yes. It’s why Pertwee/Delgado or Tennant/Simm work so well – they’re peers, equals, either could win. Less so Davison/Ainley sadly.

Is there a villain you identify with more than others?

Blimey. That’s a tough one. I suppose it would be the Rani: I just want to get on with my work, and get frustrated by any interference!

Do you ever find yourself rooting for the bad guy?

Not rooting, but you can still be charmed by them and love them – absolutely!

Is there an episode that means more to you than all the others?

A Christmas Carol. Simply because it was the very first story I worked on properly. There’s a thrill to seeing your name in that vortex…

If you could travel with any of the Doctors, which one would it be and why?

I think it’d have to be the Eleventh. He’s just the most relaxed and easy-going…

Which, if any, companion would you like to be there as well?

Do you know: it’s easy choosing a Doctor ‘cos they’re all the same man. I can’t choose one companion. So I’ll be selfish and travel solo!  

Do you see yourself as one of the Doctors and why that one?

I don’t see myself as the Doctor, but I think all fans identify with him somehow. Bit of an outsider; I don’t take myself too seriously…

Who was the best Doctor, never cast?

Robert Glenister. Such a brilliant, surprising actor. He captivates me in everything he does.

Who would you name as your favourite companion and why?

Choosing companions is hard, but I adore the dynamic between the Doctor and Donna in series four. Never has been such a fun, matey pairing!

Does the Doctor ever get it wrong?

Nobody’s perfect. Of course he does. But it’s his unwavering desire to get it right that makes him heroic.

Is the TARDIS alive?

Yes. Next!

Which is your favourite TARDIS interior and why?

The 1996 TV Movie. Not a shadow of a doubt; vast, magical, sci-fi and wonderfully British/Doctorish. I could buy he’d lived there centuries!

When the new series arrived, what was your initial reaction?

So thrilled and excited. TV Movie aside, I’d never been exposed to live Who before – and it’s great there’s still such an appetite for it!

Nearly ten years on, how do you feel about it now?

I love it. It’s changed my life quite literally. I’ve met lots of people, made loads of friends. And it’s great how varied it remains!

What fan-like activity is something you rarely discuss openly?

I’m quite open about everything. I love conventions – which some people find quite strange – but it’s all about celebration. Discuss away!

How should the Doctor dress?

I’m in no position to give fashion tips. Whatever he feels comfortable in, frankly.

Do you ever dress like the Doctor in everyday life?

No, not really. Though Capaldi’s minimalist approach is making that a bit harder…

What is the best thing that being a fan of the show ever given to you?

It’s given me some of the most brilliant friends and opportunities I could ever have hoped to have. It’s extraordinary!

What is the single most important aspect of the show?

Variety. It can do anything, go anywhere, tell all manner of stories. So let it.

A big thank you to Scott Handcock!

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