WILLIAM HARTNELL ARCHIVE MATERIAL

Desert Island Discs... A classic radio show that lasted for many long years. Just released on the BBC Radio 4 website is a lovely curious; an episode that features William Hartnell, the very first Doctor!

Hartnell was well-known for his abrasive persona, with 2013's dramatised special about the creation of Doctor Who, An Adventure in Space and Time, painted a poignant picture of the man. But here is a wonderful chance to hear the considered, more relaxed, side of the man.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p009y3yj

REVIEW: AN ADVENTURE IN SPACE AND TIME

As a man who has never really dabbled much in Doctor Who, I was somewhat unsure about how to feel about the madness surrounding the 50^th anniversary episode. Was it to be something exclusively for the fans, or a possible invitation for newcomers such as myself to join the party? Or maybe even both? Either way, my knowledge of the programme was insufficient. I needed a way to feel educated about the universe of Doctor Who without necessarily watching through the hundreds of available episodes. Thankfully, An Adventure in Space and Time serves this purpose nicely.

The story chronicles the birth of the show and its various production troubles, from William Hartnell’s (David Bradley) ailing health and struggles as a typecast actor, to Verity Lambert’s (Jessica Raine) own trouble as one of the early female figures in British television. It becomes clear from the very first scene that this is not necessarily the smooth and obstacle-free ride that one might initially think.

With a keen sense of nostalgia, particular effort has been put into replicating both the context of 1960s Britain in all its gloomy-weather glory, and the harsh realities that come with working from within the BBC – a place not often associated with second chances. As a result, I was immediately drawn towards Hartnell, played with excellent cynicism and humanity by David Bradley. As an actor with very little direction in his career, Hartnell’s only desire was to steer clear of the authority figures he became so often associated with. Yet with the show’s aim to inform and educate as well as to thrill and terrify, the role was understandably irresistible.

What follows is an intense, but often fun series of events that follow Hartnell and Lambert as they both fight desperately to keep Doctor Who alive, regardless of whether it came from artistic integrity or something to pay the bills. Yet in a bizarre twist, I found the story’s finest moments were the ones that distanced themselves from Doctor Who. Such moments include Hartnell’s often adorable interaction with his granddaughter and wife, reminding us that he was still a human being, with familial concerns and constant reminders of his growing age in an industry that was constantly seeking to modernise itself.

Naturally, the references to the series itself are littered throughout the script. Some are impossible to miss, while others will no doubt be detected by only the most hardened of fans. But as the story reached its conclusion, I couldn’t help but feel a bit overwhelmed by the amount that was being thrown at me. Of course, there exists five whole decades of history behind Doctor Who, and it would be a missed opportunity not to acknowledge it through various nods and winks, but at times, it felt just a little too much.

 

Regardless, this was easily outweighed by the positives. Every actor gave an outstanding performance, in particular Brian Cox’s dominating presence as the iconic Sydney Newman – a role he clearly had incredible fun playing. But at its very core, An Adventure in Space and Time was a very human story about a very otherworldly concept. It provided an informative but touching look at both a man desperately looking to push past his own ‘grumpy old man’ persona, as well as the now cemented position Doctor Who holds as a key part to our history and culture.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

DOCTOR WHO-GLE!

Just when we thought there couldn't possibly be any more surprises ready for tomorrow's broadcast, Google goes and puts their own spin on the madness.

To commemorate the 50th anniversary, the internet giant gave users the chance to go on their own mini adventure in the form of a cute little isometric platformer game.

Choose one of the 11 pixelated Doctors as you take on the Daleks and traverse dangerous terrain. But worry not, if you die, you simply regenerate into the next incarnation, a nice little touch for us fans.

Add caption

AN ADVENTURE IN SPACE AND YOUTUBE!

With the 50th anniversary rapidly approaching, it’s easy to forget some of the other fantastic material the BBC has on offer.

As a one-off special, An Adventure in Space and Time will demonstrate to fans exactly how the iconic television show got started. From its humble and unpredictable beginnings, through to its 50th anniversary celebration, it’s a must-see for both hardened veterans as well as newcomers to the series.

The BBC have since released a collection of trailers and clips, which can be seen below. Judging by the content we’ve seen, it looks like every effort has been put into replicating the look and feel of the show, in particular the uncanny performances by David Bradley and Brian Cox as William Hartnell and Sydney Newman respectively.

Check out the second clip to see Cox in action.

DALEKS INVADE MAIZE MAZE IN YORK!

Source: cnet.com.au

To celebrate 50 years of Doctor Who, York Maze has constructed an image of the world's biggest Dalek 300m (1000ft) long, and features the faces of first Doctor William Hartnell and current Doctor Matt Smith.

The Maize Maze is set in 18 acres and cut out of over 1 million living maze plants. Sixth Doctor Colin Baker attended the opening, and had to battle it out with a couple of pesky Daleks in the process! (see video below)

York Maze is open to the public from 13 July - 2 September 2013.

www.yorkmaze.co.uk

THE NAME OF THE DOCTOR REVIEW

Our review of The Name of the Doctor, series seven's finale episode, is now live. But beware - there be spoilers ahead! If you've not watched the episode, do so first. You have been warned!

http://type40reviews.blogspot.co.uk/2013/05/the-name-of-doctor-review-spoilers-ahead.html

LOST DOCTOR WHO SCRIPTS FOUND IN KENT

Six Doctor Who scripts belonging to the creator of the TARDIS and writer, Anthony Coburn, have been discovered by prop-maker, Jason Onion. Mr. Coburn came up with the idea for the TARDIS after seeing a police box outside BBC Television Centre. He sadly passed away in 1977.

The TARDIS

Onion, a BBC licensed TARDIS maker, was researching the iconic blue police box for Children In Need and was handed a box of paperwork found by Mr. Coburn's widow, Joan Coburn-Moon.

Initially, Onion wasn't aware of what he had discovered:

"With the consent of Anthony's wife, Joan Coburn-Moon, and other family members, the family lent me a box of his work and I saw the scripts, but put them to one side.

"When I scanned the cover later I realised it didn't have the right title for the first episode... as soon as I saw the first few pages I knew it was not the episode that had been televised.

"I just sat there, and stared and stared. I wanted to cover them with glass. They are unbelievably precious, and I had them in my hand."

The six scripts consist of two versions of the first episode, an alternative episode two and three further stories.

One script entitled 'Masters of Luxor' was never made, replaced instead by the original Dalek serial. Reading through the scripts, Onion was able to solve some of the mysteries of Doctor Who that have plagued Whovians for years,

"You can see in these episodes a device to unlock the TARDIS, which became the sonic screwdriver, and the science and regeneration and renewal of the body, which were all created in Anthony's mind.

"It explains the TARDIS's original name, the planet Doctor Who came from and that his granddaughter - Susan in the programmes, but Suzanne in the scripts - was a princess saved from another world.

"He created the cornerstones of Doctor Who that have been expanded and built on ever since."

Discussions are currently underway for a permanent exhibition to commemorate Mr. Coburn. Jason Onion's workshop where he builds TARDIS replicas is reportedly being considered.

MOST WANTED LOST EPISODE REVIVED

As most of us know, William Hartnell's final story "The Tenth Planet" is missing its final episode, probably lost somewhere in space and time.

Well good news, Planet 55 Studios have been busy at work fully reanimating the episode. 

Check out the preview below:

We really like the look of this, now let us see the rest!

50TH ANNIVERSARY UPDATE

A MONTH OF NEWS IN ONE

JOHN BARROWMAN ON WHO 50TH:

Image - fanpop.com

Captain Jack (the spacey, timey-wimey one) has recently spoken to The Los Angeles Times about the Doctor Who 50th anniversary and whether Captain Jack Harkenss will be making a return.

"If there is, I haven't been asked... Personally, as a fan of the show, I would be disappointed if Capt. Jack was not involved."

As with all speculation surrounding the historic show, nothing is being given away.

Everyone at type40 news would enjoy seeing Captain Jack Harkness back on our screens. We will just have to wait and see what happens.

NO ROSE TYLER FOR WHO 50TH

Image - fanpop.com

Billie Piper has appeared on The Graham Norton Show where she seemed to make it clear that there would be no return for marmite companion Rose Tyler for the upcoming anniversary.

Rumours of Rose's return to the show began following comments made by Matt Smith last year where he stated that if he were to have any companion from the past, "I would have Rose."

Piper's recent appearance on The Graham Norton Show however crushed any rumours.

"No. I've not been asked... I think Matt Smith said something in passing or in jest like, 'That would be nice, and it became something, but no."

It looks as though Rose will remain in her alternate universe.

FREEMA AGYEMAN RULES OUT MARHTA 50TH RETURN

Image - thesun.co.uk

Freema Agyeman has spoken to Crave Online about her role in the Doctor Who 50th annniversary show. However, she states that there will be no Martha.

"I got misquoted hideously once saying that there are some rumblings going on about being involved in the 50th in terms of drama. It's not." she said.

She continued: "It's in terms of conventions and interviews and things like that, which we're all doing stuff to promote the 50th. We have to. It's the Doctor Who family and we want to."

Again, there is so little known about the 50th anniversary that we won't rule anybody out of returning.

COLIN BAKER DENIES MULTI-DOCTOR STORY

Image - doctorwho.maxupdates.tv

Just as we were getting excited following the rumour of Matt Smith being joined by his seven surviving predecessors, sixth Doctor, Colin Baker, has denied the report.

Almost immediately following the reports, Baker tweeted: "Alas apart from The Big Finish [audio drama] plans I am not aware of any 50th stories nor have I been approached."

One fan tweeted to Baker suggesting that he could be covering up the truth about the anniversary.

Baker responded by tweeting: "There's no point in me tweeting if you don't believe me."

More rumours. More denials. Only the Moff knows what is going to happen.

DAVID BRADLEY TO PLAY FIRST DOCTOR, WILLIAM HARTNELL IN GATISS' AN ADVENTURE IN SPACE AND TIME

Game of Thrones and Harry Potter star David Bradley has been confirmed to portray the First Doctor in Mark Gatiss', An Adventure In Space and Time, a drama focussing on the creation of Doctor Who.

Images - doctorwho.maxupdates.tv / DigitalSpy

Bradley is no stranger to the world of Doctor Who, having played the space pirate, Solomon in the Chris Chibnall episode, 'Dinosaurs On A Spaceship' and frankly, we think he will do a fine job in bringing the first incarnation of the Doctor to life.

THE MOFF IS AWARE OF THE WEIGHT ON HIS SHOULDERS FOR WHO 50TH

Steven Moffat has spoken about his feelings regarding the Doctor Who 50th anniversary show to the Radio Times. 

Although the interview was more focussed on the fast approaching second half of season 7, Moffat did mention the 50th.

"I'm mostly excited [about the anniversary], a little bit nervous and aware of trying not to let people down."

Image - guardian.co.uk

After a rather lacklustre opening half to the new season, Moffat has some extremely high expectations to satisfy.

Doctor Who has a return date of March 30th on BBC One.