The Doctor Who Podcast

Ladies and Gentlemen, we have great pleasure in bringing you an exclusive, never heard before interview with none other than The Master himself, Mr Anthony Ainley.  The interview was recorded by friend of the show Martin Spellacey in 1981 whilst he was being driven across London by Anthony on his way back from a Doctor Who Convention. Anthony is relaxed and playful as he candidly discusses Doctor Who and his role in it, Tom Baker, Sarah Sutton, Doctor Who Monthly, cricket and girls.  He even breaks into song on a couple of occassions…..!   Sit back and enjoy time-travel in action.  Anthony Ainley speaking to you from across the ages, thirty years ago – it’s a joy to behold. Thanks go to Martin from Bristol Community Radio who recorded the interview all those years ago and got in touch with us. The except from the song ‘The Mind of  Evil’ is performed by Billy Davies and used with his kind permission.  Leeson Fischer and Harry Medium come with their own health warning that is not possible to emphasise enough using mere words. Thanks also to the myriad of Doctor Who Podcasters to feature on this episode of the DWP!  

Well.  That was it!  Everything seems strange and lonely now. The first five epsiodes of season seven are now a thing of the past.  There’s no more new Doctor Who to watch on our tellyboxes until Christmas.  What we are going to do on Saturday evenings now?  Hmmm.  Watch Doctor Who DVD’s probably…..  Anyway, Tom and James sit down and talk about The Angels Take Manhattan.  They’re visited by non-linear versions of Ian and Trevor in their respective time bubbles. Episode 167 will be our season seven wrap-up and feedback episode, so send your audio thoughts and musings to us at [email protected].

Join Tom, James and Leeson as they get ready for the mid-season finale of series seven of Doctor Who!  Can it be just a month ago that we all sat down in front of our telly boxes, oozing strange anticipatory juices from secretions we didn’t know we had? The chaps take a pause for breath before the last episode of Dr Who for almost three months airs this coming Saturday. Speculation and guesswork abound – but for those of you with a spoilery disposition, there is a two minute conversation during this episode about a controversial trailer for Angels that as you read this, has already aired in Canada. Leeson gives a clear warning before we start discussing that point which might be a notch or two above some sensitive listener’s spoiler threshold. We’ll be back in episode 166 after Angels has aired – sadly however, this will not be straight after the programme transmits in the UK this time – you’ll have to wait until Tuesday!! Feedback always welcome – email us [email protected]“>[email protected]  

Writer Chris Chibnall’s second story for Series 7 – The Power of Three goes under the DWP microscope this episode. Ian and James are in the review seats this episode and are joined later on by a mysterious Leeson in a time-eddy. Really.

The feedback has been pouring into the DWP inbox over the past few weeks, full of your comments on the first few episodes from Season 7. In this episode, Trevor, Michele and Tom go through the feedback received. And since they have been absent from the initial review eps, they also share their thoughts on the first three episodes.

Well, oh mercy me!  What do we have here,  wandering into my little establishment!  What do you call yourself, stranger? The D, W, P… pod-cast you say?  Interesting.  Never heard of no pod-cast in these here parts before. So beg my asking, but just what does a D, W, P pod-cast actually do? A review you say?  Surely you aren’t reviewing pretty little me?  Oh my! Oh, not me… you are reviewing?  A what, a T V show?  Doctor Who? No I profess to not knowing what in heaven this thing called a T V is, but surely the good Doctor has a last name?  I can’t be calling a gentlemen Doctor Who, now can I? Oh, I see.  How bizarre. Well, why don’t you seat yourself down in that chair and tell me all about this T V show?  Does this show have a name, or do I call it Who as well? A Town Called Mercy?  Lordy be, what a funny name!  Tell me all about it.  Don’t be long now you here, I have chores to attend to.

You’ve just watched some old dinosaurs on a spaceship, now listen to a few old dinosaurs in the Doctor Who Podcast Campervan talk about the latest episode from this short and sweet run of Doctor Who – Dinosaurs on a Spaceship! James and Leeson will again provide you with the first podcast review available of a Season 7 story.  Enjoy.  Just mind where you step.  Dinosaurs don’t only leave big footprints you know… Get your feedback in pronto, as a super-duper dinosaur-sized feedback DWP is planned for Episode 163. [email protected]“>[email protected].

A short break from the excitement that is Season 7 of Doctor Who. James and Leeson bring you a fantastic interview from Whooverville 4, one of the greatest conventions on the planet. They were lucky enough to sit down with classic Doctor Who companion, Peter Purves. Peter played Steven Taylor, the fiesty companion to the 1st Doctor, William Hartnell from 1965 to 1966.  He has also been involved with various Big Finish companion chronicles. Settle back for what is an enjoyable interview with Peter Purves.

You’ve watched the episode, now listen to the review. James, Leeson and Ian give you their thoughts on this much anticipated Season 7 opening story. Not much more to say really.  Enjoy! Get your thoughts in to [email protected]“>[email protected] on Aslyum of the Daleks.

The DWP is back with its final installment of reviews for the Pond Life series of videos released online by the BBC. In todays episode the Doctor tries to get in touch with his former companions, but things don’t go to plan…. Don’t forget to download the DWP review of Asylum of the Daleks straight after watching it Saturday.  We’ll be here waiting for you.

Continuing on with our series of Pond Life reviews, today Trev takes a look at Pond Life Episode #4, in which Amy and Rory seem to be living the high life, courtesy of a forgetful Doctor and a handy Ood…

Time to enter the spoiler cave and preview the upcoming batch of episodes that kicks off Series 7. We have scoured the internet, looked under all the spoilery rocks and peeked behind the spoiler filled doors to bring you this episode. Be warned – if you want to remain totally unspoiled about Series 7 and the stories contained within, do not listen to this episode! Having said that, all the spoilers we talk about can be found on the internet and in magazines if you so wish. So we hope you can join us for a fun filled adventure into the soon to be screened Series 7. And make sure you visit the DWP site straight after viewing Asylum of the Daleks this Saturday – the DWP will be here waiting for you with our review of the episode.

Continuing on with the DWP reviews of the special Pond Life episodes the BBC is releasing on their website in the lead up to the beginning of Series 7, today is our review of Pond Life Episode #2. Also some very exciting news for Australian fans of Doctor Who!

Whilst we wait for Asylum of the Daleks to grace our screens, the BBC has begun releasing some videos in the lead up to the 1st September screening. Entitled Pond Life, it shows life for the Ponds whilst the Doctor is along galavanting round the  universe. One episode each day will be released on the Doctor Who BBC website. The DWP will be providing reviews of these releases over the coming week. Trevor takes us through the first part which was released at midday Monday 27th August.

In this episodeJames, Leeson, Tom and Ian share with you their NON-spoilery thoughts of the first episode from the new series of Doctor Who – Asylum of the Daleks. The lads were lucky enough to attend the BFI screening of this episode on the 14th August and recorded a bit of a live show where they discuss the story, and some of the interesting titbits that came out of the lively Q&A session afterwards.  

In a bumper episode of the Doctor Who PodcastJames and Leeson talk about one of the latest trilogies from the magnificent bods at Big Finish. The multi-colour coated one, the 6th Doctor gets an outing in a series of plays – Curse of Davros, The Fourth Wall and Wirrn Isle. James also quizzes Leeson on his viewing of Planet of the Spiders, which was the winner of our little competition back in episode 151.

This episode we are in DVD review mode where we look at the Pertwee story The Dæmons and the McCoy story, The Happiness Patrol.  Are they worthy of going five rounds with, and will they make you happy?  Listen in to find out. We also have a bit of a chat about the recent opening ceremony for the London Olympics, and share our thoughts on the recent passing of Mary Tamm, companion to the fourth Doctor.

The love for Big Finish at the Doctor Who Podcast Towers is well known, we have often trumpeted our passion for the ranges from the highest of rooftops.  From its dedicated monthly range of releases featuring classic Doctors to its Companion Chronicles, and various spinoff series featuring characters from the show, Big Finish is the flag bearer for Doctor Who in audio. This episodeJames and Michele share their love for the releases and some of the hidden gems to be found at Big Finish and talk about some of their favourite stories.

Whilst Cyberleader Kang puts the finishing touches to Ep 154 of the Doctor Who Podcast, it is time for another DWP Quiz! This quiz has Tom asking the questions to the three nervous lads in the Campervan. Who will come out victorious?  Who will go away and cry into their Doctor Who episode guide?  Who will get the honour of asking the questions for Quiz 13?  Have a listen and find out!

The inner-child is revealed in this episode of the Doctor Who Podcast, with Trevor, James and Tom raiding their toy cupboards and reminiscing about the wonderful world of Doctor Who toys and collectables.

One of the big problems putting out one of the finest Doctor Who podcasts on the planet is we also attract some of the finest Doctor Who fans on the planet, who email us with the finest feedback on the planet. So we devote an podcast to digging deep into the email inbox and sampling some fine thoughts from you our awesome listeners. Leeson and James have the feedbacking duties this time, and cover a wide range of topics such as least favourite stories, Dragonfire rants and much much more.

Well, its taken close to six months, but Leeson has finally drawn the attention away from the other three wanabee regulars of the campervan and managed to shine the spotlight on himself. It’s all about Leeson for this episode of the Doctor Who Podcast, where we try and help Leeson decide what classic Doctor Who episode to watch next. But surely Leeson has seen them all, just like the other three main hosts, we hear you cry?  Apparently not, and it is up to Trev, James and Tom to state their cases for some of their picks from Leeson’s pile of unwatched shame. Which stories hasn’t Leeson seen?  Which one will he pick?  Will there be any justice as the boys wage the battle for Leeson’s eyeballs?

Join James and Leeson and they bring you a special edition of the Doctor Who Podcast.  The chaps are joined by the charismatic organiser of the already iconic Whooverville conventions, Mr Stephen Hatcher.  Whooverville has established itself as laid back, intimate event on the convention circuit, mainly by holding its first two events in a railway shed in darkest Derbyshire.  Now in its fourth year, Whooverville has moved to a new, gleaming, shiny venue in central Derby. James, Leeson and Steve chat about Whooverville’s past and look forward to the next event, Whooverville 4, being held on 1st September 2012 where attendees will be joined by Peter Purves, Terry Malloy, Richard Franklin, Donald Gee for a day of geekiness. Also, Steve announces a thus-far unannounced guest Whooverville 4 guest exclusively on this very DWP – and frankly, this new guest makes the event an even more exciting prospect!  Tune in to find out just who is coming to Whooverville…..!! Check out Whooverville 4’s facebook page where you can keep abreast with current developments, find out information about tickets, the venue and even say how excited you are about it!

We got a bit of the fit of the giggles in the DWP Campervan this week when we realised we had reached the lofty heights of Episode 150 of the Doctor Who Podcast.  So it seemed only apt that we talk about comedy and its relationship with our favourite program, Doctor Who. And who better than to talk about comedy, but a comedian?  Long time contributor to the show Ashley Frieze finally takes up a pink vinyl seat in the Campervan alongside Trev, James, Tom and Leeson and talks about what has made us laugh in Doctor Who.  We also discuss comedians who have made the leap from standup to Doctor Who as well as comedy gold and misfires. Ian and Michele also join the fun and discuss – The Horns of Nimon – proper story or panto? Throw into the mix a few DWP skits and sketches, as well as a song from Ashley, and you have the 150th episode of the DWP!

Well, we come to the end of our memorable journey through Iceworld, with this, the commentary track for Episode 3 of Dragonfire. And who better than to bring you to its epic conclusion that Leeson and Ian?  The boys guide you though face melting, deaths, companion swaps and bewildering little girls who have no meaning to the plot. We hope you have enjoyed our romp through Dragonfire this week.

The commentary for Dragonfire continues with the second episode.  In the commentary hot seats for this episode areJames and Tom. As with Episode 1 of this commentary, there are clear instructions within the file of how to sync it up with your copy of Dragonfire so you can join along and watch the story whilst listening toJames and Tom.

As the build up begins to our 150th episode next week, we present to you this week commentary tracks for the 150th classic series story – the Seventh Doctor adventure Dragonfire. Our story begins on Iceworld, a trading port on the dark side of planet Svartos, the Doctor chances across Sabalom Glitz and joins him on a treasure hunt in the frozen caverns of the planet where a dragon is rumored to resides. Meanwhile Mel and a recently fired waitress named Ace run afoul of Kane, the icy director of Iceworld, whose frozen touch means death. Trevor and Michele are your hosts to guide you through this first of three Dragonfire episodes. You can join along with the fun too.  If you have a copy of Dragonfire, the commentary audio can be watched alongside the episode itself.  Just pop your DVD, VHS etc copy into your player, and follow the instructions in the audio itself for when to press play, and you too can be experiencing Dragonfire alongside Michele and Trev. The remaining two episodes will be released over the coming week, keep an eye out for them!

Welcome to another week of THE Doctor Who Podcast, quite simply the finest Doctor Who podcast around and frankly you should feel honoured and humbled as this episode downloads its way to you! A very intimate affair this week, with Trevor and Ian together in the Campervan, having a bit of a geek out. The hoary subject of Doctor Who canon is the main subject of the day, and the chaps discuss its relevance or otherwise to Doctor Who. Make sure you have your downloading devices at the ready next week as we begin our lead-up to our 150th episode, with a very special series of releases from The Doctor Who Podcast.

It is Tom and Trev’s turn this week to share their least favourite stories from the 6th Doctor through to the present Doctor. We also have a stab at trying to pick our least favourite story from the 1st to 5th Doctor eras. Ian and Michele also chip in with their least favourites as well.

We have already devoted episodes to our favourite Doctor Who episodes, now its time to explore the seedier side of Doctor Who as the team talks about their least favourites. First up isJames and Michele who discuss their least favourite stories from the 1st through to the 5th Doctors. Prepare to be amazed, outraged, surprised and disgusted!

Trev, James, Tom and Leeson have a bit of a geekout this week about the effect of social media on Doctor Who, and the way we consume our favourite show. With the explosion over the last decade of sites like Facebook and Twitter, the way Doctor Who fans get their news and talk about the show has changed dramatically. With this change many benefits have occurred, but also there is a downside. The boys discuss this issue and try and get to the bottom of the question “Is social media good for Doctor Who?”

As the title of this release suggests, quite a busy and eclectic week at the Doctor Who campervan. First up is our look at Power of the Daleks – Reimagined, the fan film that sets to bring to life one of the classic and beloved stories from the Patrick Troughton era of Doctor Who. We have an interview with the man who plays the Doctor, Nick Scovell, and producer/DOP/tea maker Rob Thrush. We review Power of the Daleks – Reimagined to see how it stacks up against the story that inspired it.  Ian and Michele also had a listen to an audio recording of the original 60s story and share their thoughts. We also have an interview with Graeme Burk, one of the two authors of a marvellous Doctor Who reference book called Who is the Doctor. Ian and Michele are back again to round off the episode with their review of the Big Finish audio The Catalyst.

The Doctor Who Podcast turns its steely gaze towards the Big Finish Towers this week as we look at the latest trilogy of Big Finish audios featuring the 8th Doctor, Paul McGann. The Silver Turk, The Witch from the Well and Army of Death fall under the watchful eye ofJames, Tom and Ian.

Just Trevor and James to keep you entertained this episode as we again delve into the mailbag and see what delights lay within. We also have a chat about Barry, the star of a recent episode of Get Your House In Order, a series where experts try and declutter peoples lives and help them with their hoarding tendencies. Barry has Doctor Who stuff, a lot of Doctor Who stuff. Trevor and James talk about how successful the shows attempts were to help him with his overwhelming collection.

Our love affair with Tom Baker and Big Finish continues with Leeson, Trevor and James reviewing the latest batch of Fourth Doctor and Leela adventures. Renaissance Man, Wrath of the Iceni and Energy of the Daleks are popped into the tape deck for a listen. What will the verdict be?

The DWP Campervan goes literary this week and is awash with a myriad of titles based on the adventures of the 9th Doctor, Christopher Eccleston and his various TARDIS crew. The four novels we are reviewing, forming our look at the 9th Doctor book range are The Clockwise Man by Justin Richards Winner Takes All by Jacqueline Rayner The Deviant Strain by Justin Richards The Stealers of Dreams – Steve Lyons Ian and Michele also get into the book reading fun and review Only Human by Gareth Roberts. We also review a book from the mighty pen of John Barrowman and his sister Carole – The Hollow Earth. You also have the chance to win your very own copy of this book. We were also very lucky to coax some of our fellow podcasters and dear friends of the show to provide some readings of the books being reviewed.  Our thanks to Laura from the Oodcast, Chip from the 2Minute Timelord, Erik from the Doctor Who Book Club Podcast, Michele from the DWP and her son Ken!  Thank you all!

Tom was lucky enough to sit down with the Indiana Jones of Doctor Who, Paul Vanezis.  Paul has been involved with the Doctor Who Restoration Team, as well as having a key hand in many of the many documentaries and special features on the Doctor Who DVD releases. When he isn’t putting the spit and polish to existing episodes, he is out there searching out lost episodes.  Paul can lay claim to returning many formerly lost Doctor Who episodes to the BBC archives. Sit back and enjoy Tom’s chat with Paul about all things dusty, Doctor Who and DVDs.

The DWP goes scholarly this week with Leeson, Tom and Ian sitting back discussing the literary influences of Doctor Who. What classic works has Doctor Who drawn its inspiration from, just what influences our favourite program? A fascinating discussion from the boys from which we want your feedback!

In this episode of the Doctor Who Podcast Trevor was lucky enough to sit down and have a chat with writer Gareth Roberts. Now if we had to link in the show notes to all the things Gareth has done in Doctor Who and Doctor Who related media the internet would likely melt down due to overload.  Suffice to say Gareth has written for Doctor Who, The Sarah Jane Adventures and Big Finish.  He has written short stories and full length novels featuring Doctors new and old. The latest work from Gareth is a novelisation of the “lost” story of Doctor Who, Shada.  This story has never enjoyed an official release in book form until now.  Trevor talks to Gareth about the challenges of bringing this story to life in the printed form. We also announce the winner of the Robert Shearman competition from Episode #130.

Tom, Leeson and James discuss the news surrounding the new series of Doctor Who which is currently filming. Please note – this episode contains spoilers for information that has been officially released by the BBC and production team members such as Steven Moffat.  A clear, and unmissable warning is given in the episode for when spoilers are afoot.

After a long and not necessarily planned hiatus, the DWP ventures into another quiz. Leeson is quiz master this time around and pits the questions against an expectant Trevor, Tom and James. Who will be the victor?  Who will be left crying into their drinks? Have a listen and find out!

James, Leeson and Ian were lucky enough to attend the Official Doctor Who convention in Cardiff recently and recorded a podcast while they were there. James and Leeson chat about their experiences at the convention, whilst Ian was lucky enough to secure one of the passes to go and visit the TARDIS set.  Ian recalls this once in a lifetime experience.

A very exciting day at the DWP Campervan as we announce another to our stunning line up of presenters.  I hope you will make him very welcome! We also delve into the mail bag and read feedback about the current Doctor, Mr Matt Smith.

Whilst Michele was at Gallifrey 23 in February waving the flag for the Doctor Who Podcast she was lucky enough to be able to sit down and interview actor Richard Franklin, who played Captain Mike Yates during the classic Doctor Who period from 1971 to 1974. Michele talked with Richard about his time on the show, his forays into Big Finish and Michele’s own previous involvement with Richard in a production.

We had so much more feedback come in thatJames and Trevor decided to release this special episode to cover some of it. We also manage to fit in a bit of a geek out about a few things too. So, not sure if that makes this episode a FeedOut or a GeekBag.  You decide.

Plenty packed into this weeks episode for you to enjoy. First up are two interviews, both recorded during Trevor’s trip to Toowoomba last month. The first is with David Riley, organiser for the Toowoomba Local Group of the Doctor Who Club of Australia.  Trevor talks with David about how he set up the club and the wonderful community of fans that exists in this regional area. Next up Trevor spoke to Geoff Campbell, who has produced a replica TARDIS which sits pride of place in his front yard. Trevor talks to Geoff about the background of the project, and the challenges he faced building this replica, as well as the worldwide community of TARDIS builders that exists. Ian and Michele review a Big Finish Companion Chronicle – Solitaire. Trevor and James review the DVD release of the classic Doctor Who story, The Sensorites.

An extra special feature length episode of the Doctor Who Podcast this week in whichJames talks to Rob Shearman, who amongst his many achievements, brought the Daleks back to the new series in 2005. He has also contributed serveral stories to the Big Finish range of audios, written books such as Tiny Deaths, Love Songs for the Shy and Cynical and Wanting to Believe, a look at the series XFiles and its spinoffs. As if his day is not busy enough already, he hatched a plan with Toby Hadoke to sit down and not only watch every episode of Doctor Who, but write down his thoughts and put them in book form.  The result, the book Running Through Corridors, has already seen its first volume released. James sat down and talked to Rob about all things Doctor Who, twitter, his childhood memories of the show and much more.

A packed episode for you this week withJames, Leeson and Tom reviewing two recent DVD releases from 2entertain, collectively entitled ‘The UNIT Files’ Box Set. Two stories make up this release, the Pertwee story Invasion of the Dinosaurs and the Tom Baker story The Android Invasion. Michele also returns to the Campervan annex and talks about her time at the Gallifrey 23 convention.

With Trevor away in Sydney for a weekend of fun and frivolity Leeson, James and Tom tear open the mailbag and delve into the emails and mp3s you have sent in to us. Of particular focus this episode is your thoughts on what you would like to see for the 50th Anniversary of Doctor Who.

This is the concluding episode of the DWPs look at the longest serving Doctor Who producer, John Nathan-Turner. Trevor and James take up where Tom and Leeson left off last week and talk about the work of JNT during the eras of the 6th and 7th Doctors. Michele and Ian also provide the second half of their review of the John Nathan-Turner memoirs.