Thursday, January 27, 2011

Kopic's Doctor Who & Torchwood News

Kopic's Doctor Who & Torchwood News


Phillips: On making a Doctor's call to Chattacon - Chattanooga Times Free Press

Posted: 27 Jan 2011 03:10 PM PST


Phillips: On making a Doctor's call to Chattacon
Chattanooga Times Free Press
He wore the duds of the current lead, Matt Smith, while I donned the -- admittedly low-key -- pin-striped suit and sneakers of David Tennant, ...

Editorial: "Change, my dear ..."

Posted: 27 Jan 2011 11:14 AM PST

The Doctor Who News Page is to undergo a "regeneration" this coming weekend, moving from our existing blogspot identity to our new doctorwhonews.net domain.

This has been in progress for a few weeks now, with our other sub-sites Doctor Who in the Media and This Week in Doctor Who having already moved under the new naming scheme. Being that the update to the main news site may have a wider effect on readership, we've decided to announce what will happen with the change beforehand.

We do not expect anybody visiting the site to be impacted in any way, as the old address will automatically redirect to the new one. This will include news articles themselves, so any bookmarks should continue to function as before - we would recommend that these links to us are updated in the future, but this is not a high priority.

However, some news applications that utilise our feed may have to be reconfigured to point to the new feed address after the change; whilst Blogger will handle redirection for the feed, some applications may not recognise this and will no longer see articles. The easiest way will be to simply re-subscribe to the new address via our "Subscribe" option on the sidebar after the change has taken place in order to continue receiving the news feed.

We also expect the search facility may suffer some problems until Google catches up with our new indexing, but this should be resolved within a few days after the change.

The switchover to doctorwhonews.net is expected to be made during this coming Saturday morning. As noted above, this should be seamless to those visiting the News Page, but please note that there may be some unforeseen issues that requires us to take the site offline for a little while.


 
As part of the new launch, we've introduced two new sections to the news site.

The Competitions section will cater for prizes that can be won, including those offered by the Doctor Who News Page - our latest competition to win a copy of K9 Series One Volume One is now online to enter!

We have also created a Reviews page, which we aim to populate with reviews of new and recently releases merchandise, kicking off with a review of the Doctor Who DVD Meglos.


In addition, we have updated our Events section to give a full guide to Doctor Who events around the world, and welcome submissions to the page at the new address events@doctorwhonews.net.

News items may now be sent to us via submissions@doctorwhonews.net, and links to media coverage can be reported via media@doctorwhonews.net.

What You're Saying About Season 2 Cast and Characters - AMCtv.com (blog)

Posted: 27 Jan 2011 11:06 AM PST


AMCtv.com (blog)

What You're Saying About Season 2 Cast and Characters
AMCtv.com (blog)
Quirkydi • "I mentioned Christopher Eccleston earlier (the military commander from 28 Days Later). Not sure who I'd have him play...not sure any role in the ...

Downton Abbey to Dr Who - The Sun

Posted: 27 Jan 2011 10:43 AM PST


Downton Abbey to Dr Who
The Sun
DOWNTON Abbey toff Hugh Bonneville swaps the period drama for a role in Doctor Who. Hugh, 47 - who plays the Earl of Grantham in the ITV1 drama - appears as ...

and more »

Acorn Updates Us About the Release Date for 'The Complete UK Series' - TVShowsOnDVD.com

Posted: 27 Jan 2011 08:41 AM PST


Acorn Updates Us About the Release Date for 'The Complete UK Series'
TVShowsOnDVD.com
The Russell T. Davies-produced program was originally said to be looking at a mid-2011 release timeframe, but as we said in that early report it was VERY ...

The Cinefantastique Spotlight Podcast: Steven Moffat's Jekyll - Huffington Post (blog)

Posted: 27 Jan 2011 08:38 AM PST


Huffington Post (blog)

The Cinefantastique Spotlight Podcast: Steven Moffat's Jekyll
Huffington Post (blog)
After months of campaigning, Dan finally gets a chance to bring Steven Moffat's (Doctor Who) BBC TV series, Jekyll, to the table for an extended discussion. ...

ABC1 “going close” to UK transmission for Series 6

Posted: 27 Jan 2011 08:28 AM PST

ABC1 controller Brendan Dahill has revealed that the channel is hoping to air Series 6 of Doctor Who as close to its UK debut as possible. Speaking to TV Tonight, Dahill said: "I can't tell you the date yet because the BBC haven't told me what date they're transmitting yet but we're going close to UK TX [...]

Elisabeth Sladen to release her autobiography in April

Posted: 27 Jan 2011 08:14 AM PST

It has been revealed that Elisabeth Sladen will be releasing her official autobiography in the spring! Inside the book, which was originally billed to go on sale last October, the popular Sarah Jane Smith actress talks candidly about her remarkable career, with a unique and insightful view into the worlds of both the classic and revived series of Doctor Who, [...]

CyberSwimmerMan

Posted: 27 Jan 2011 08:13 AM PST

British weather is amazingly cold at this time of year. If you're a sportsman, it's a tough time to keep up your training. However, dedicated athletes will keep going whatever the condition. And if some of those athletes are dedicated Doctor Who fans, then they may just try and mix their two favourite passions together, as one person has done!

A picture has surfaced at www.boingboing.net of a swimmer taking part in the UK Cold Water Swimming Championships at the Tooting Bec lido in London and whilst others may want to wear a small red or blue swimming cap on their heads; this particular competitor has decided to sport a "Cybus" Cyberman one instead!

How it keeps his hair protected is anyone's guess though…

It begs the question, what other Doctor Who icons could be included as a sports piece? Cybermat Tennis rackets perhaps? Or maybe The Hand of Fear boxing gloves?

A wealth of comments were left including:

"Need this."

"Delete the other competitors. Victory is assured."

"You know, they never did explain what happened to the real cybermen, as opposed to the alternate reality ones."

There's always one!

Best of luck to everyone involved in the competition!

See forthcoming Ride-in Daleks in action in new advert

Posted: 27 Jan 2011 08:05 AM PST

Last week we brought you news of the new battery powered Ride-in Dalek toys, and now you can see them in action in a brand new advert! The company behind the toys, Kids@Play, have also released a press release in which the "inflatable body attached to a high density plastic base" is described in greater detail. "We have always [...]

Torchwood News Round-Up - ATV Today

Posted: 27 Jan 2011 07:26 AM PST


Torchwood News Round-Up
ATV Today
A round up of Torchwood: Miracle Day news which include new casting details and also details on which episodes are being written by Russell T. Davies. ...

Ride-in Daleks to be unleashed!

Posted: 27 Jan 2011 07:26 AM PST

Back in the seventies, kids in the UK could often find the chance to be a "Dalek" when visiting the seaside! Though these old Edwin Hall rides have long-since been exterminated from holiday venues, 2011 looks set to give our own children the chance to unleash their own mastery of the universe ...

Welsh toy company Kids@Play have announced the launch of a new Ride-in Dalek toy for children! The toy is aimed for three to six year olds (maximum weight of 30kg).

Using a unique and patented concept of an inflatable body attached to a high density plastic base, the Kids@Play innovative design team have come up with a safe, strong and exciting toy which meets all the new essential safety standards.

The Dalek body is made from a mixture of ballistic nylon/laminated rubberised polyvinyl which is soft and tactile to the touch. This makes the Ride-in very durable, structurally safe, tear resistant and easy to inflate and assemble. The Dalek has a 6v battery powered motor which gives 360 degree steering and a maximum speed of 3km per hour. The battery is re-chargeable and comes complete with country specific charger. The steering wheel has 10 authentic Dalek phrases that are button activated. The ride-in comes with flashing lights for an atmospheric glow, giving the child the maximum realistic feeling of being in the Dalek and moving around like a Dalek.

The Ride-in is surrounded by a soft bumper to protect furniture and is suitable for both indoors and outdoors activity (providing there is a flat surface), and comes in two parts – a motorised base and inflatable body section.

BBC Worldwide says "we have always dreamed of developing a Ride-in toy Dalek, but no-one had previously been able to achieve this for us. We are so excited by the Kids@Play project; this will be an industry first for us".
A video has been released to promote the toys, which also feature at the Nuremberg Toy Fair (3rd February 2011).


(video via Kids@Play on YouTube)


The Ride-in Daleks will be exclusively distributed in the UK through Zappies, and are due to be on sale in shops like Forbidden Planet during the summer (RRP £199).



You can see one of the old Edwin Hall Dalek rides in operation in this You-Tube video!

Australia Fast Tracks Who

Posted: 27 Jan 2011 07:25 AM PST

The one problem that overseas Doctor Who viewers have had in recent years is that the brand new episodes that have been screened in the UK take a fair while to actually transmit anywhere else.

This has been due to various scheduling, copyright and technical reasons but it must still be ever so annoying to know that a brand new, exciting and brilliant Doctor Who adventure is out there somewhere and you haven't seen it. It's like someone telling you that all twelve episodes of The Daleks Master plan have been found and released on DVD but it's only available to you if you live in Germany.

Well, Australian television network ABC has stated that they plan to "fast-track" the 2011 series of Doctor Who so that their viewers can see the new episodes in a timelier manner. On TV on Tuesday, ABC1 programmer Brendan Dahill remarked:

"I can't tell you the date yet because the BBC haven't told me what date they're transmitting yet but we're going close to UK TX [transmission] again. Australians are great downloader's and they don't want to wait until Easter to see a Christmas episode, so if we can get it out straight away we will."

So there's a great start to the New Year for you, new Doctor Who at a speedier rate. Now take your hand off the mouse, do not click "download" and instead, be patient, they're doing all they can to get you your Who fix…

‘Lego’ Doctor Who Update

Posted: 27 Jan 2011 06:40 AM PST

It's Doctor Who Lego in all but name, and now we have some more details and pics on what is surely set to become the must buy merchandise this year. First comes news that the Character Building line will work with real Lego. Like the Danish counterpart, you will also be able to mix and match the various parts, including the micro-figures.

Read more ...


Yarmouth Police investigate near fatal stabbing early Thursday - Cape Cod Today (blog)

Posted: 27 Jan 2011 04:48 AM PST


Yarmouth Police investigate near fatal stabbing early Thursday
Cape Cod Today (blog)
Dispatcher Christopher Eccleston was able to convey to responding Patrol Officers James Cheverie and Michael Wells that a man was knocking on doors and ...

10 Biggest Time-Sinks in Science Fiction and Fantasy - io9

Posted: 27 Jan 2011 04:08 AM PST


10 Biggest Time-Sinks in Science Fiction and Fantasy
io9
And the unexpectedly lovely Sarah Jane Adventures.) But then you throw in the fact that the classic series ran from 1963 to 1989, plus a forgettable TV ...

Covers, details for forthcoming April novels revealed

Posted: 27 Jan 2011 04:02 AM PST

This spring will see the releases of three brand new Doctor Who New Series Adventure novels, which we first told you about earlier this month. Dead of Winter by James Goss, Hunter's Moon by Paul Finch and The Way Through the Woods by Una McCormack feature the Doctor, Amy and Rory and will be available to [...]

Share your Dalek-table memories with the official site

Posted: 27 Jan 2011 03:38 AM PST

The official Doctor Who website have revealed their plans to host a week-long party dedicated to the Daleks! As such, they have invited fans to send in their own thoughts about the Doctor's deadliest foes, and you can submit your own memories by clicking here. A handful of the submissions will be included in the festivities next [...]

William Thomas returns as Gwen's father in Series 4

Posted: 27 Jan 2011 03:30 AM PST

It has been revealed that William Thomas will be back as Gwen's father, Geraint Cooper, in Series 4 of Torchwood. Thomas, who has also appeared in Gavin & Stacey and in the Doctor Who episode, Boom Town, was first seen in the spin off in the Series 2 story, Something Borrowed. According to his CV, he will serve [...]

Russell promises “a lot of surprises” for Miracle Day

Posted: 27 Jan 2011 03:17 AM PST

Russell T Davies has promised that there are "a lot of surprises in store" in the forthcoming series of Torchwood. Speaking to This Is South Wales on location in Rhossili, South Wales, where scenes for Miracle Day are currently being filmed, the spin off's creator said: "There are so many good locations in Wales. I'm proud of where [...]

23-year-old stabbed in West Yarmouth - My Fox Boston

Posted: 27 Jan 2011 03:01 AM PST


23-year-old stabbed in West Yarmouth
My Fox Boston
While responding to the scene, Yarmouth Police Dispatcher Christopher Eccleston was able to confirm that a man had been knocking on doors in the ...

Marti Noxon Interview FRIGHT NIGHT - Collider.com

Posted: 27 Jan 2011 02:59 AM PST


Collider.com

Marti Noxon Interview FRIGHT NIGHT
Collider.com
And then, of course, when they cast David Tennant, I was thrilled. I couldn't have been more excited. That part is comedic, but it could have been too broad ...

and more »

Watch the fantastic National Television Awards intro!

Posted: 27 Jan 2011 02:54 AM PST

Last night's brilliant introduction to the National Television Awards has now been posted on the official Doctor Who website! Although both Matt Smith and Doctor Who were sadly unsuccessful in their respective categories of Best Drama Peformance and Most Popular Drama (boo!), we were treated to this great sequence, in which the Doctor rushes to get host Dermot [...]

Brucie and David Jason in TV Gong Fest - The Arts Desk

Posted: 27 Jan 2011 02:35 AM PST


Brucie and David Jason in TV Gong Fest
The Arts Desk
That was bad news for current Doctor Who Matt Smith, since the incumbent Doctor can usually rely on winning this one. Doctor Who (the show) also lost out ...

and more »

The National Television Awards (UK) Intro.

Posted: 27 Jan 2011 02:06 AM PST

Doctor Who Matt Smith 2011 National Television Awards Skit - Cosmic Book News - Comics

Posted: 27 Jan 2011 02:05 AM PST


Doctor Who Matt Smith 2011 National Television Awards Skit
Cosmic Book News - Comics
Here is a skit of the eleventh Doctor, Matt Smith, with presenter Dermot O'Leary who happens to be late and needs the Doctor's help! ...

and more »

Big Finish Companion for November

Posted: 27 Jan 2011 01:33 AM PST

We're sorry to report that the first volume of The Big Finish Companion has had to be pushed back in the release schedule once again. We promised more than just an episode guide and it's become apparent that to do the history of Big Finish justice, we need more time to create a fully detailed book that covers everything.

In order to make the Companion as indispensable as possible, we need to take our time over it to deliver the best product we can. It will now be released in November this year. Apologies once again for the delay, but we want to make sure the book is as crammed with facts, figures and fun stuff as possible.

Character Sets - More Details

Posted: 27 Jan 2011 01:29 AM PST

NTAMore details have emerged on the new set of Doctor Who Characters available this spring from Character Building.

Chris Elmer from the website Active Dad got a chance to play with the Characters at the 2011 London Toy Fair held at the Olympia Exhibition Centre in London.

Fans of the classic series will be delighted that each of the eleven incarnations of the Doctor is represented in toy form along with vast armies of Daleks, Cybermen and Weeping Angles.

Building sets featuring scenes from the series include the TARDIS Console Room Playset, the TARDIS Mini Set, the Cybermen Conversion Chamber Set, the Dalek Factory Set and the Time of Angles Mini Set .

The sets are not connected to LEGO, although the bricks and characters do fit together.

For more infomation check out ActiveDad.co.uk which also has a review of other Doctor Who Merchandise available at the Fair.

Torchwood: News Roundup

Posted: 27 Jan 2011 01:09 AM PST

Casting directory Spotlight have listed a few more actors cast for the currently filming Torchwood: Miracle Day.

First up, actor William Thomas is returning to the show playing Gwen's father Geraint Cooper - he previously appeared in series two's Something Borrowed at Gwen's wedding alongside Sharon Morgan as Gwen's mother Mary (at the time of writing she is not currently credited for filming). Interestingly his entry says that he is a "Series Regular".

Since his previous appearance in Torchwood, Thomas continued his role as Will James in Belonging, and in other Welsh series including Gari Tryfan, Ar Y Tracs and Alys.
 
Lena Kaur is credited as Dr. Alicia Patel; the actress is best known as regular character Leila in Hollyoaks, and most recently appeared in the television show Speechless and film The Endz.

Actor Danny Szam is listed as a character named Surveillance; he has appeared in Channel 4's Skins, and had a flurry of medical-related appearances in Doctors, The Royal and Casualty!

Finally, actor Daniel Adegboyega is listed as playing a guard in the series; his CV includes appearances in Spooks and The Bill.


Writer Jane Espenson confirmed that the ten episodes of the series will have individual episode titles (like series one and two). She is penning episodes three, five, seven and eight (the latter co-written with Ryan Scott), with Russell T Davies responsible for the series opener and finale, Doris Egan handling episode two, and John Shiban for episode six. This just leaves episodes four and nine to be revealed.

Episode one is being directed by Bharat Nalluri, and episode two by Bill Gierhart; both are working with The Sarah Jane Adventures producer Brian Minchin for filming in the United Kingdom, which itself sees expanded filming taking place over the next few weeks (with filming believed to cover several episodes for the series).


Russell T Davies and Julie Gardner at filming on 25th January
Photo courtesy of the Torchwood! Facebook group
This week has seen varied locations being used, including Cardiff International Airport and Rhossili Bay. The South Wales Evening Post caught up with Russell T Davies at the latter location, where he spoke about bringing the show back into the UK:
There are so many good locations in Wales, and I love coming back to Swansea. I'm immensely proud of where I'm from and quite like the opportunity to show places like Rhossili to the world.

It's a sort of national trait of Wales that we tend to be very proud of where we are from, yet don't sing our praises enough.

I'm quite excited that Torchwood will hopefully introduce Wales to people who have never seen it before.

There have been a number of episodes of Doctor Who and Torchwood which have been filmed in Swansea, and I plan to keep that up. I don't think I'll ever run out of places to film here because there are so many great ones.
 
One thing I've quite enjoyed is the little jokes in the show about Brits feeling lost in America, and Americans not knowing where Wales is.

A more detailed report on filming will appear on the Doctor Who News Page at the weekend.

Watch Spidey swing through the air in new reboot set photos, plus a major star ... - io9

Posted: 27 Jan 2011 12:09 AM PST


Watch Spidey swing through the air in new reboot set photos, plus a major star ...
io9
[Alun Vega] Executive producer Russell T. Davies confirms that the budget is bigger, and he mentions some of his favorite exchanges in the script: "One ...

and more »

National Television Awards: where quality goes undetected - The Guardian (blog)

Posted: 26 Jan 2011 11:57 PM PST


The Guardian (blog)

National Television Awards: where quality goes undetected
The Guardian (blog)
Steven Moffat had a very good 2010. There was the wild success of Sherlock, named by many as their drama of the year, and a rapturous response to his first ...

and more »

HALVERSON v. ORANGE COUNTY EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT SYSTEM - Leagle.com

Posted: 26 Jan 2011 11:07 PM PST


HALVERSON v. ORANGE COUNTY EMPLOYEES RETIREMENT SYSTEM
Leagle.com
In the statement of decision, the trial court found: "Dr. Katz was the only Dr. who examined [Halverson], applying the standard for the Retirement Board of ...

Ant and Dec scoop 10th TV award in a row - ChronicleLive

Posted: 26 Jan 2011 10:50 PM PST


Ant and Dec scoop 10th TV award in a row
ChronicleLive
But his role as world-weary copper Jack Frost saw off challenges from Doctor Who actor Matt Smith, Ashes to Ashes man Philip Glenister and Sherlock star ...

and more »

Television triumphs: 'EastEnders' take top awards at star-studded NTAs - hellomagazine.com

Posted: 26 Jan 2011 10:04 PM PST


hellomagazine.com

Television triumphs: 'EastEnders' take top awards at star-studded NTAs
hellomagazine.com
Despite a red-carpet prediction he would not win, David, 70, beat Doctor Who's Matt Smith, Ashes to Ashes' star Philip Glenister and Sherlock's Benedict ...

and more »

Forsyth, Jason triumph at TV awards - The Press Association

Posted: 26 Jan 2011 09:55 PM PST


Forsyth, Jason triumph at TV awards
The Press Association
The actor who plays the Time Lord has taken the title every year since the show was revived by the BBC, with Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant both ...

and more »

Police Box for sale in South Yorkshire

Posted: 26 Jan 2011 09:45 PM PST

South Yorkshire Police are in the process of selling off some of their disused properties in the Sheffield area, ranging from small buildings to police boxes! The agents for the sales are property consultants Knight Frank; Rebecca Schofield commented:
Police boxes often attract a lot of interest thanks to their history, their convenient locations and, of course, the Doctor Who association.

However, they can be used in a variety of ways such as a small office or storage space. In the past people have acquired disused police boxes and turned them into a small retail outlet or a kiosk and many of these Sheffield sites could also present an opportunity for redevelopment, subject to necessary planning consent.

Nigel Hiller, Director of Finance for South Yorkshire Police explains:
Most of our buildings were built pre World War II and they are not suitable for a modern age, as it isn't easy to cable them.

Each of the buildings were surveyed which explains how much it would cost to make them fit for purpose. It is never cheaper to buy a new building but we have to look at how we police communities for the next 50 to 100 years. And many of our facilities are not located in the right place for people to access.

An item on the sale featuring Hiller appeared on the BBC's regional news programme Look North - the video may be viewed on the BBC News website.
 
David Livingstone, South Yorkshire Police's Head of Facilities Management said:
The advent of mobile phones and BlackBerrys mean officers no longer require police boxes for reporting when they're out on the beat. This has prompted us to put these properties on the market so they can be put to alternative good use in communities and the city centre.


You can read some more about the history of the police box at the Police Boxes and Mind Robber websites, and the more familiar "TARDIS" version at the Metropolitan Police website.

Veteran stars triumph at TV awards - The Press Association

Posted: 26 Jan 2011 09:00 PM PST


Veteran stars triumph at TV awards
The Press Association
The actor who plays the Time Lord has won the title every year since the show was revived by the BBC with Christopher Eccleston and David Tennant winning ...

and more »

The public get something right: Gillian McKeith booed at the National ... - Telegraph.co.uk (blog)

Posted: 26 Jan 2011 08:46 PM PST


Telegraph.co.uk (blog)

The public get something right: Gillian McKeith booed at the National ...
Telegraph.co.uk (blog)
Matt Smith was pipped by old David Jason (for Touch of Frost) to best Drama Performance and then at long last Bruce Forsyth got a Special Recognition gong. ...

and more »

The Minister of Spin-Offs

Posted: 26 Jan 2011 08:10 PM PST

Chance would be a fine thing! The Minister of Chance, last seen 2001 BBC webcast audio drama Death Comes to Time, will be returning in a 'radiophonic' drama produced exclusively for iTunes.

So, what's a radiophonic drama when its at home? Well, its…

'Made using a combination of film and radio techniques and delivered by podcast… By painstakingly constructing soundscapes we create worlds that you can drift into wherever you are.'

So its basically a radio drama, then…

The Minister of Chance will be played by Julian Wadham (The Madness of King George) – taking over the role last inhabited by Stephen Fry- who will be teamed up with a barmaid called Kitty, played by Lauren Crace (Sherlock, Eastenders), who follows this stranger into a strange new world and across bridges made of frost

Intriguingly, listed in and amongst the cast are two former Doctors; Paul McGann and Sylvester McCoy though both aren't listed as a particular citizen of Gallifrey.

Also joining this trinity of Time Lords is Avon himself Paul Darrow (Blake's 7) and Jenny Agutter (Logan's Run).

The first three pilot episodes, written by Death Comes to Time producer/director Dan Freeman, are available to purchase now which include:

Prologue – The Pointed Hand
In which Ambassador Durian embarks upon a courageous peace mission to the primitive people of Tanto.

Episode 1 – The Broken World
In which Kitty tries stealth-shouting, is hit by a fireball and befriends the wrong creature.

Episode 2 – The Forest Shakes
In which Kitty finds herself in the dark, but not alone, and strange creatures troop the forest.

As part of the shows M.O any money fans (be it for the episodes themselves or any merchandise from the site) part with to hear these new adventures will go into completing the series. That's right, you fund the action!

(via Shadowlocked)

Doctor Who and Sherlock lose out - WalesOnline

Posted: 26 Jan 2011 07:39 PM PST


Doctor Who and Sherlock lose out
WalesOnline
But I don't expect to win, I'm up against Dr Who." The Welsh battles had been among the most competitive categories at last night's glitzy awards, ...

and more »

Review: [Book #1] Death Riders / Heart of Stone - Book

Posted: 26 Jan 2011 07:00 PM PST

Reviewed by: Rebecca Holbourn for Doctor Who Online

Manufacturer: BBC Children's Books

Written By: Justin Richards & Trevor Baxendale

RRP: &ound;6.99

Release Date: 3rd February 2011

I found the idea of a two in one book rather exciting, but you instantly face this awful dilemma of which to read first due to the fact that both have fronts. So, naturally I turned the book over several times before choosing. I was excited to find out that Rory featured in both stories but disappointed he hadn’t made it on to the cover too.

I settled down to read Heart of Stone and was not disappointed as was instantly presented with a mysterious event to which there seemed no logical and immediate reason. How does a wall fall down as though hit by a lorry that doesn’t exist and why have all the rocks turned in to moonstone? Intrigued I read on, the characters capturing me and feeling very in tune with the show. The Doctor, in his Doctory way flounced around getting under everybody’s feet with Amy and Rory desperately trying to keep up. It is quite a light plot, although it does have its darker moments. There are several parts which make you laugh out loud and a few which have you on the edge of your seat. All the way through the twists and turns keep you constantly guessing and intrigued. Everything turning to stone really makes you wonder how can everything turn back? Although occasionally, it can have a slight lack of clarity and the occasional illogical moment, it is a book which keeps you captured and despairing that normality can ever return to the village, which is just what you look for in any good plot.

Thrilled with the first half I eagerly turned the book over and started reading Death Riders. Well, with a ride called “The Death Ride”, that is just asking for trouble. Why are some tunnels out of limits? And will the death ride actually lead to death? There is a lot of suspense built up in this book and you constantly long to know what is waiting round the corner. The funfair itself is enjoyable and Rory in particular jumps off the page whilst trying to win something. I found this half to have a more comedic Doctor and it is really easy to imagine all the scenes taking place. I always find it enjoyable to make the connections at a similar pace to The Doctor as it feels like I am being lead down the path at the correct pace. It had some really wonderful characters and even made you recoil at imaginary smells. Occasionally a bit more description was needed but aside from that it was a really simple plot to follow and I look forward to rereading it in the future.

Both books are very enjoyable and make you want to keep reading till the end in one sitting. I really enjoyed both endings and they felt very satisfying and cheering. They are both very close to character and feel very believable. They are definitely books I would recommend even though they feel aimed at a younger audience then normal. There is enough depth and mystery to all so that you aren't constantly reminded that you are older.

I enjoyed the layout of the books and it was with a pang of sadness that I couldn’t turn over and find another book waiting for me to read. Very enjoyable and I look forward to reading more in the future, as both Authors are always top class and reliably so.

January Podcast 003 - 27 January 2011

Posted: 26 Jan 2011 06:29 PM PST

It's time for the third and final podcast of January 2011. There will never be another... January 2011, that is.

Nick Briggs, Paul Spragg and David Richardson are back, despite the controversy of the crisps. Do they know no shame?

In this podcast, there's mention of a special musical guest (and Nick sings! Nooo!), Prisoner of the Sun, there will be tea-making, there's a new competition (prizes, prizes, prizes) and, eventually, there's even a question for you to answer. Plus, listener questions and so much more.

Download Podcast Here

Torchwood Films in Wales

Posted: 26 Jan 2011 06:23 PM PST

It's happening now. For all you lot that are anticipating the new series of Torchwood being shown this year, the filming of Torchwood: Miracle Day, has now begun in Wales, where it all started so many years ago!

Executive Producer and creator of the show Russell T Davies remarked on how proud he is that Wales is being put on the map in Hollywood:

"There are so many good locations in Wales, and I love coming back to Swansea,..I'm immensely proud of where I'm from and quite like the opportunity to show places like Rhossili to the world…It's a sort of national trait of Wales that we tend to be very proud of where we are from, yet don't sing our praises enough…

I'm quite excited that Torchwood will hopefully introduce Wales to people who have never seen it before…there have been a number of episodes of Doctor Who and Torchwood which have been filmed in Swansea, and I plan to keep that up. I don't think I'll ever run out of places to film here because there are so many great ones."

The script and the budget are not being talked about by Davies but as usual he was happy to drop a few hints of what the new series had in store:

"The budget's bigger than before and there's going to be a lot of surprises in store…one thing I've quite enjoyed is the little jokes in the show about Brits feeling lost in America, and Americans not knowing where Wales is."

Shows such as Torchwood and Doctor Who have been primarily filmed in Wales since 2005, bringing a heap of attention to the city and a massive fan following, this is something that Davies is very proud of:

"There's always a lot of interest when film crews come down here…It's nice that people take such an interest, and they've taken shows like Doctor Who to their hearts."

The new series of Torchwood is currently being filmed and is due to air this year.

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