Showing posts with label Countrycide. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Countrycide. Show all posts

Friday, 5 January 2018

Articles Where Are They Now? Cast of Countrycide by DJ Forrest


The Torchwood team investigate the disappearance of 17 people in the last few months. No bodies have been found and the police are clueless.

Could the Rift have spread out that far?

When a body is discovered in the woods under a tarpaulin, its skin ripped off, leaving only a skeleton form, the team question if Weevils could travel that far out of the city. But when another body turns up wrapped in plastic in the kitchen of an abandoned pub, then further bodies in abandoned houses in a remote area of countryside, the team wonder what they've stepped into.

And when Ianto and Toshiko are captured, facing the prospect of being the next meal,Gwen is shot by a terrified kid with a shotgun, and Owen and Gwen are captured in the woods whilst rescuing Toshiko, it's down to Captain Jack to rescue his team with the best entrance possible on a Tractor (cue music).

Written by Chris Chibnall and Russell T Davies and broadcast on 19th November 2006. This is Episode 6 of Season 1


Owen Teale

‘Evan Sherman’

'Wake up, man. Time to be bled, like veal. It takes a long time, but it definitely makes the meat taste better.'


Evan Sherman, part of a small community, possibly one of the leaders of the group, is a cannibal. As for most farmers, where harvests come every year, and they rejoice in chapels and churches across the land, Sherman's group of locals, enjoy their harvest every ten years, and have a knees up at the big house, where the meat hangs up in bags behind a plastic partition in the kitchen. It's a grim affair.

Before he became the familiar face on the tellybox, Owen Teale was once a children's entertainer at Barry Island Pleasure Beach, since then he's worked in both television and theatre as well as playing David Gore in BBC 4's Radio play 'Chocky'. After his role as Evan Sherman, in Torchwood, Owen has played an eclectic variety of characters from Nicky Turnbull in Lewis, Tom Cornell in The Last Detective, Davy's Dad in Hunky Dory, Brian Frogett in Silk and Captain Fluellen in The Hollow Crown. He played Chief Inspector Osborne in Line of Duty in 2012, and played Dai in Stella (how could we forget that), for 20 episodes from 2012 - 2013. Hilarious character.


Moving forward when we start settling down to watch some serious telly action, Owen played Felix Hackman in Ripper Street, Marcus McDonald in River, a television series, in 2015, and Professor Havensling in Houdini and Doyle, but perhaps many these days will remember Owen for his role as Alliser Thorne in Game of Thrones from 2011 - 2016.
In the same year, Owen played Briggs in National Theatre Live production of No Man's Land. In 2017 he played Chad Berger in Pulse for 8 episodes and will appear as Peter Knox in the tv series A Discovery of Witches due out in the New Year.

Maxine Evans

‘Helen Sherman’

'No one's safe. Every ten years it takes us again.'


It's always the quiet ones you have to watch. Coming across as if she was as terrified as the victims that were caught by the villagers. Brandishing her shotgun, she pretends to care about the 'stock' in the cellar, worried that they may be injured, yet all the while, it's to calm the victim before the Harvest.

Underneath the scary image of Helen Sherman, Maxine Evans is a truly wonderful woman whose witty comments over social media, namely Twitter have kept us all amused during the Bring Back Torchwood and Ianto Jones Day, plus, loved her Pumpkins (not a euphemism).

Since Torchwood, Maxine played Mrs Buckle in Agatha Christie's Poirot in the episode Elephants Can Remember, was in Eastenders for two episodes as Beryl Barr and as a Sonographer, played Mrs Busby for three episodes of Call the Midwife in 2016, played 3 different characters in three episodes of afternoon drama Doctors, but is probably better known as Rhian in Stella which she played for 36 episodes, and she was 'Cockin' loud but hilarious'.
Back in 2015/2016 Maxine and her husband raised enough money through crowdfunding to film and broadcast the first series of Storyline, which featured well known actors from various soap operas in the UK, putting together a new 'storyline'. It was mad and bonkers, but raised much mirth across the internet, from its Youtube base.

When Maxine isn't acting, you can find her busy with her photography business providing Headshot photographs for people in the Industry.

Maxine Evans Photography http://www.maxineevansphotography.co.uk/


Calum Callaghan

‘Keiran’

'I thought you were them. I thought they'd come back for me. You can't fight them, they're too strong. The only thing we can do is barricade the door.'


Keiran was holed up in one of the houses that Jack and Gwen were searching through, hoping to find someone alive. Although they didn't bank on someone firing back injuring Gwen. The terrified teen was protecting himself against whatever was killing the locals, determined he wasn't going to be the next meal.

I was surprised when I saw Calum play Liam's big brother Jack in Tracy Beaker Returns back in 2012, as I hardly recognised him from the teenager Keiran. Surprising how some people can change so physically, you can barely identify them, until you see the credits and think, woah!


Calum's most notable role was as George Towler in Mr Selfridge which he appeared in for 33 episodes.
Between 2nd December 2015 - 21st April 2016, Calum played Cloten in Cymbeline at the Sam Wanamaker Playhouse.

Rhys ap Trefor

‘Huw’

'The Big House? Sort of unofficial village hall. Village meeting tonight, that's why I'm here. Constabulary report.'


Huw, the police constable, nephew to Evan Sherman, was just the unwelcome face that Owen and Gwen needed to see when they were making their way painfully along the track in the dark and rain, just before they discovered Tosh being choked by Evan.

Since Torchwood, Rhys' most busiest roles have been as Simon Watkins for 10 episodes of Gwaith/Cartref in 2011, and as  Aled in Byw Celwydd, a Welsh political drama where he plays a Conservative, which he's appeared as for three seasons. Prior to that, Rhys has played small character roles, such as Iolo in Series 2 and 3 of Istan'bwl, Prys Ar Frys, in series 1 & 2 of Llan-ar-goll-en, and Gareth Rhys-Jones in Hinterland/Y Gwyll in 2014. He played Doctor TT in Ysbyty Hospital in 2016, which brings us up to his return to Byw Celwydd series 2 and 3.


When he's not acting, you can find him posting up on Twitter. Why not give him a follow - he's a really down to earth bloke.  

Emily Bowker

‘Ellie’

‘Dad? I dunno, hour and half, tops. I'll be there soon as I can. I can't hear you. The signal's going.'


Ellie was an unfortunate victim of the cannibals collecting for their harvest. Distracted by a 'body' on the road, Ellie exits her car to inspect the football wrapped up in clothing, armed only with a baseball bat for safety. But as her back is turned, someone steals her car keys from the ignition, and punctures a tyre, rendering her car useless. As she heads back to the car and locks the door, something is on her roof. In the next instant, her door locks are open and a dark stranger enters her car. All Ellie can do is scream...


Since 2006, Emily Bowker has played a series of different roles, from Alex in Shameless in 2008, Elaine Rees in Holby City a year later. A nurse in Upstairs Downstairs in 2010, two different characters in the daytime medical drama Doctors, and played Margaret Thatcher in the tv movie, When Calls the Heart in 2013. Emily played Claire Povey in Casualty in 2016, Jemima Benjamin in 2 episodes of Eastenders in the same year, Dot Spenlow in Call the Midwife, another nurse programme, and Matilda in Battenburg Avenue, which is currently in pre production. It's a comedy about Wales leaving the UK and how four residents cope with the departure.


Robert Barton

‘Martin’

'You've got to get help. I know where you can get some.'


Martin lurked in the cellar, trying to gain access to the pub and those hiding in the tap room. When Jack fired his weapon blindly into the darkness it connected and the injured man begged for his life, when Jack finally went in search of him. (One of my favourite scenes in the whole episode).

Since Torchwood there is nothing listed for Robert Barton. Before 2006 however, Robert has appeared in television and films since 1975.

Justin Walters

‘A Villager’

Non-speaking role


Uncredited as a villager seated in the Sherman's kitchen, Justin had no speaking part in the series.


Since Torchwood, Justin has appeared in various guises in Doctor Who, during the 10th era, since then, he's appeared in Clockwork Orange, the musical, in Swan Lake with Birmingham Royal Ballet Company. Goldfish with Fluellen Theatre Company, and will be back with Birmingham Royal Ballet Company in March this year, with their production of Sleeping Beauty.




Thursday, 30 January 2014

Interviews Justin Walters by DJ Forrest



In the episode Countrycide, you played one of the villagers pictured in Helen Sherman’s kitchen.  I remember spotting your scowling face, least I think you were scowling.  How did that role come about and how did you feel playing the role of a cannibal – even though you weren’t actually cannibalising anybody, but how was it received by  your family?


Justin: The role came about when I actually got a phone call out of the blue and was called up to the set the next day. The location base was in Cardiff so we where driven out into the Brecon beacons where they filmed some exterior shots in an old quarry, then a day or so after we had to film the interiors of the house where all of us are sitting round the table this was in the same set as the hub. I am the cannibal who gets shot after Maxine, its my leg that get shot in the scene. That was a scary one to do, as I am not used to using squibs and you have to be so careful and fall the right way. As they are a mini explosive as pointed out to me by Danny Hargreaves so that did shock me, but was put at ease by him and the stunt coordinator Nick. I really enjoyed the part and it still holds a place in my top fave EPs. My family enjoyed it.

(squibs)


In Doctor Who Rise of the Cybermen you played the role of the bodyguard to the President of Great Britain.  Was it easier getting roles within Doctor Who at that time, and have you played any roles in the latest episodes of Who?

Justin: At the time of Doctor Who I was just getting back in to acting as I had taken a break after drama school and wanted to make a little money before acting, so to get the call about Doctor Who I really couldn't say no, I haven't been in any other eps due to continuity. 


Those two roles weren’t speaking parts, have you taken roles where you have a speaking part?

Justin: Yes I had a lead role in a short film called the money tree and also role in Daziel and Pascoe as bobby the doorman, Also a role in a welsh language series called Yr Pris as part of the brotherhood run by the late Philip Madoc. Which was a great series. Which I still haven't actually watched. As sometimes I really don't like watching myself on screen. 

Are there any funny moments during filming on Who and Torchwood that you can share with us?

Justin:  Funny well the scenes were filmed in a house in Penarth and what you don’t see is the foot of snow that fell during the night the cybermen burst through the window so they had to clear all the snow before filming that scene and also the one when they are standing outside in front of the doctor. Also I can tell you that the special chair that the late great Roger Lloyd Pack uses had to be specially built due to Roger breaking his foot before it came to filming The rise of the Cybermen.



During scenes there can be a lot of hanging around, what did you used to do to pass the time between takes?

Justin: I usually have a book or paper to read or sometimes usually chat with other folk. It was the days before android phones. So no selfies with David Tennant or Billie Piper then.

Have you worked in other parts of the industry, such as lighting, cameraman, director, etc?.

Justin: I am afraid I haven't, I took nearly 7 years out of acting to have a family, but I did do script writing to keep my mind flowing.

On your CV you’ve listed Skateboarding, have you ever taken a role where skateboarding was involved and do you have any links to clips where we can see your moves on the board?  (I’m very good at falling without any grace whatsoever on a skateboard, and don’t get me started on rollerskates)

Justin: No thank god. Too old now and probably take me longer to heal these days.



Other than playing a cannibal in Torchwood have you played any other gruesome roles?

Justin: I haven't as yet I usually play the serious one.

Do macabre roles fascinate you or are you quite squeamish? Do you come from an acting family?

Justin: I am not squeamish and macabre roles do challenge me. I do like to push the boundaries and psyche to the most. Well on my Dads side yes there are actors. One is my relations is Daniel Evans who is now the the director of Sheffield theatre. But has had roles in many a TV, Film  and theatre. Doctor who he played Daniel Llewellyn in the 2005 Christmas special, He has just directed The Full Monty stage show which starts a run in the west end in Feb and is a brilliant show.

Do you have a favourite actor/actress you’d love to appear with in a film/tv/play?

Justin: Indeed I do Christina Ricci has always been a favourite of mine. Also would love to act with David Tennant again a very talented actor.

Who is your favourite all time actor and have you ever had the opportunity of meeting any of your favourite actors?

Justin: I don't have a favourite as such due to every actor/actress as they are all talented in different ways.


Do you ever go to any of the Torchwood or Who Cons when they’re on?

Justin: I haven't I am afraid due to family commitment.

Will you be going to the Starfury event in April?

Justin: It actually depends if I am filming around that time.

When you’re not acting what do you do to relax?

Justin: I used to actually drive a coach for Edwards Coaches while in between Jobs which I actually enjoyed doing while not acting.

What are you favourite tv programmes and which do you avidly watch and talk about more than others?

Justin: Peppa pig due to my 2 year old watching it. :-)

Are you a whiz in the kitchen or are you more of a take-out guy?

Justin: Love my cooking, there is nothing like preparing and cooking a meal done by hand.

If you weren’t an actor, what other career might you have followed?

Justin: Actually it would have been animation as many moons ago I had a chance to work for Walt Disney and sadly turned it down.

What was the last book you read?

Justin: The Wintersmith by Terry Pratchett. Cannot beat him on his discworld series.


In the Doctor Who episode you were up against Cybermen but what are your ultimate favourite WHO monsters/aliens?

Justin: Has to be the Daleks as they are the most funny humour wise and disturbing monsters ever

Who is your favourite Doctor and who was your first growing up?

Justin: David Tennant is my favourite as he brought something new and exciting to the Doctor and Peter Davison was the one while growing up.

If you had the opportunity of playing the Doctor, who would you want as your companion and where would you like the Tardis to take you on adventures?

Justin: Well my companion would be my mum so we could go and see my dad again and bring all the great memories flooding back.

A lot of people are mad daft on football and very patriotic about who they support, are you the same or do you merely (like me) view the score draws to see who beat or lost against your team and are happy to leave it at that?

Justin: Don't follow football sorry to all you footy fans. 

How far have you travelled to play a part?

Justin: Well I have travelled to a parallel earth for the role in Doctor Who. That was a strange journey.  

Are you working on any projects at the moment that you can share with us?

Justin: I have just auditioned for a role in an American SciFi Film which I cannot disclose. But it does really read like a blockbuster film. Plus I hope that they do think of bringing Torchwood back.

Fans Questions:

Scott Lewis:  What made you get into acting? Was it something you did from a young age and if not why did you put it off until later in life?

Justin: Hi Scott, I always knew I wanted to be in the industry but it took me a long time to find out I wanted to be an actor. Back many years ago I got asked to act in a film and that is what made me decide, after a short stint in drama school I haven't looked back since and no other job actually fulfils me like acting.

And the last word from Justin...

I would like to Thank all at Project: Torchwood and the Fans for keeping such a great series alive in everyone's mind and maybe your voices will bring it back. The cast and crew of Torchwood and Doctor Who you were the best to work with and to my agent Veronica Lazar at Avanti Talent Management and to Simon Davies and Stuart Issac and all at Edwards Coaches for being so understanding towards my acting career



Photo source
©BBC Doctor Who 1963
©BBC Torchwood 2006 





Thursday, 31 October 2013

Articles Welcome to Issue 7 Countrycide




Contents Guide

Articles
Countrycide: Episode Breakdown
Cannibalism – Dark Side of Humanity

Interviews
Robert Stone
Robert Shearman
Carole & John Barrowman
I Am Alone Robert Palmer & Michael A. Weiss
Rhys Ap Trefor
Maxine Evans
Gregory Melton
John R Walker

Reviews
Fan Vid reviews
Exodus Code

Fans Fiction Halloween Special
Ghosts at Halloween – Sandy Deck

The Coffee Shop
Caption comps
Exodus Code Dream Cast by Kate Mora
Favourite Exodus Code Moments
Favourite Countrycide moments
Torchwood in the Wild by Claudia Lindner
Halloween Fan Art

Locations
Issue 7 Countrycide

News
Eve Myles: Wales’ Sexiest Woman 2013

The Mothership
Daleks Pt 3 Time War
A New Doctor for New Era by Reece Morris-Jones
The Sixth Doctor – Steve Taylor Bryant
Favourite Doctors – Steve Taylor Bryant
My Top 11 Doctor Who TV Episodes – Simon Mallinson
Who is your favourite Doctor? – Ask the Fans
The Countdown Begins: 50th Anniversary Doctor Who: 11th Doctor
#SaveTheDay 10th Doctor
#SaveTheDay 9th Doctor
#SaveTheDay 8th Doctor
Night of the Doctor Minisode episode
#SaveTheDay 7th Doctor
#SaveTheDay 6th Doctor
#SaveTheDay 5th Doctor
#SaveTheDay 4th Doctor
#SaveTheDay 3rd Doctor
#SaveTheDay 2nd Doctor
#SaveTheDay 1st Doctor
Happy 50th Anniversary #SaveTheDay



Editor’s Note

Happy Halloween!

The witching hour is fast approaching and Joshua is dying to try out his new mask – to be honest it looks nothing different to his usual scare em mask but shan’t tell him.  Last year he came back with a bumper sack of sweets which we, the team later confiscated, we’re sending him out for two bags this year!

It’s been a busy month, with lots of laughs and wonderful interviews, and we have to say diolch yn fawr to Maxine Evans for her contribution to the front page of her Pumpkin. 
Also have to say ‘Thanks’ to Nikki for her cover art this month. 

We’ve some fantastic interviews this month and we’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone who gave up their time to talk to us and we look forward to your next projects, be sure to keep in touch.

Kenzie made her debut with her fan art and a special Captain Jack zombie to kick off our Halloween Special.

We’ve had some issues with our Blogger site this month, personally I think Joshua hasn’t helped with his pet gremlin – didn’t start out as a pet, it was more of a hindrance.  So, we’ll be looking for some names for the gremlin over time.  My suggestion of Exterminate went down like a lead balloon!

So, without much further ado, we bring you Issue 7, Countrycide. 

Also included are the #SaveTheDay lead up to the 50th Celebrations for Doctor Who’s big birthday.

Enjoy!

~Jack~