Showing posts with label Issue 70. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Issue 70. Show all posts

Sunday, 5 April 2020

Who Reviews The Claws of Axos by Matt Rabjohns





One of the first very good things to come from this story is actually within its first minute. The axons are shown to us for a brief instant in their natural, ugly tentacle form, and the score that accompanies the scene pretty much tells us these things are lethal. But UNIT and even the Doctor don't know this at once. So we are at once feeling anxious as to what these minging things could want with the Earth.
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The second thing I love about this story is yet again the third Doctor's stance against the political high up big wigs. And here that big wig is Chinn. I just relish the sparring matches the Doctor has with idiots like these in the show. It is one of my favourite traits of the Third Doctor. His indignation and despair at the actions of UNIT and the Brigadier always raise a grin too.
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Roger Delgado is simply fantastic again as the Master, and we are treated to a little more of the Doctor and his history. We also are treated to a rare glimpse of the Doctor's more conniving and devious play, when we think he may just be abandoning earth for a moment to its fate held in the Claws of Axos. But the Doctor is an alien, and here an alien bereft of his freedom. That we know by the end of the tale that he has not turned a wrong un but is simply deceiving Axos is absolutely hilarious!
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The Axons themselves are superbly realised. The first time I saw them I knew they would long be one of my favourite alien menaces of the show. I love the idea of them fooling the human race with their passive looking gold skinned forms, and then later changing into frightful masses of alien writhing tentacles. They are a fearsome foe and I can’t believe that they never returned to the TV show after this debut story. ​
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I'm not sure as to the credibility of Bill Filer's accent but he's a brilliant character too. But I find that Jo is strangely side-lined and mostly forgotten in this story, and she doesn't really get all that much to do and that’s a bit of a shame as Katy is so good. Although its great seeing her lose her rag at that stuck up Chinn.
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The ending of the story is a little strange too. I would have thought a nuclear power complex would have gone off with far more than just a little bang that it does at the end. Or are we to believe Axos had started to drain its total output and all the dangerous particles had already gone? It’s not well explained and feels a bit unbelievable. And if it didn’t, why is there no fallout from the explosion either? This is a sadly weak plot point that lets down an otherwise hugely entertaining story. Or did the Doc try something in the TARDIS to extricate the harmful stuff before the whole complex went up? I wonder. Plot niggles sometimes do annoy you a lot, don’t they?! ​
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But this ending doesn't overtly ruin the whole story. It’s still action packed and filled with superb characterisation and acting. And one must also praise the originality of the space ship design, its exterior and its interior. It all looks very organic and very very plausible as an alien parasite. The design team really did well with this story indeed. ​
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Bernard Holley also must be mentioned as his Axon Leader performance is stunning. He makes a real threatening menace and there's plenty of nuance and brilliant touches to his performance. Axos is given such a believability by his performance alone. This is his finest performance in the show for me.
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I also love the amusing final scene and the story ends with another of my all time favourite Third Doctor lines. He is still irate at the TARDIS not being able to properly leave Earth and he turns his berating this time on his own people. "It seems that I'm some kind of galactic yoyo!" is simply the best ending line of a story ever in the history of the show in my opinion!

Michael Ferguson has a reputation for his stories being full of great action, and he does not disappoint here. The story is stylishly directed and we get the best from every single character. This is yet another firm success story for him. He was a brilliant director and directed some of the best shows of the series. The Claws of Axos stands as a fitting tribute to just how good his stories were from his director's chair. The Claws of Axos is also very colourful and some of the psychedelic effects are amazing to see on screen. Definitely gives the story its own ripe flavour. ​
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This does not feel like a debut story from Bob Baker and Dave Martin. It’s very very strong and overall is extremely good indeed. It bodes well for these two chaps future in the show!

A very nearly perfect 9 out of 10 from me!

Wednesday, 5 June 2019

Articles Welcome to Issue 70 - WATNOW: Something Borrowed



Contents Guide

Articles
Where Are They Now – Something Borrowed Cast?

Beyond The TARDIS
SJA: The Boy Lost by Andrew Allen

Big Finish Reviews+
By Tony J Fyler
Ravenous 3
Third Doctor Adventures Vol. 5
Year of the Drex Olympics: Short Trips

Who Reviews
Tenth Doctor Novels Vol 4

Connections
The Secret of Crickley Hall by DJ Forrest

Interviews
Ian Hanmore by DJ Forrest
Gordon’s ‘Still Game’ Dalek

The Coffee Shop
Competition Time

(TW) Reviews
The Green Life by Tony J Fyler

The Whoniverse Round-Up
Steven Savile
Good Omens
Nathan Sussex
Last Summer

Editor’s Note

Evening folks! How is everyone?

Unfortunately, my mojo has taken an extended leave of absence and I’ll be having words with it when it returns. So, no Mitchell again this month. I do intend on finishing the story but my mind has been on other things.

This month and last we lost some wonderful people from our lives. Whether we knew them personally, or they were fleetingly in and out of our lives for the chance of an interview and random chats over social media. Some of those who died, touched us in ways, it feels empty without them.

Robin Bell, creator of Twisted Showcase, finally lost his battle with Stage 4 Stomach cancer and died on May 8th, age 38.  

Andrew Hall, better known for his role in Butterflies and as the cross dresser in Coronation Street, died on May 20th after a short illness. He was 65.

And finally, Paul Darrow died yesterday, 4th June also after a short illness, age 78.

They will all be sadly missed.

In a slightly more upbeat manner - We have a competition for you this month – check out The Coffee Shop for further details.

Tony has been busy with reviews again for Big Finish Page, and I’ve been having fun with Interviews and scaring myself silly with the Connections this month.

We also have an SJA review this month by Andrew, so be sure to catch up on those.

Without further ado, and if I don’t hurry up, I will fall asleep – such an early morning!!!

Welcome to Issue 70 – WATNOW: Something Borrowed.

Djak



Articles Where Are They Now - Something Borrowed Cast?



Originally broadcast 5th March 2008

Written by Phil Ford

"It's not about the money, Rhys. I want to marry you today, whatever happens. If the skies suddenly fill full of spaceships, or an army of Weevils climb out of the drains on St Mary's Street, you fool! Do you not understand what I'm saying, Rhys Williams? All I want to do today is marry you. That's all I want to do. Please."


Something Borrowed was the story of how Gwen became an impregnated host after a bite by a Nostrovite male. Soon, ready to give birth, the Nostrovite female, is already on her trail. Gwen is due to be married at a swanky venue, when she wakes up on the day of the wedding, very pregnant. Naturally, the team, comprising of Jack and Owen, and indeed Rhys, try unsuccessfully to talk her out of it. The only problem will be both sets of parents at the hotel.

The Nostrovite is a shapeshifter, and it's soon hard to tell the difference between that and the guests. Gwen opens up to Jack before realising he's not who she thought he was, and then pumps bullets into Brenda Williams, when she finds out that it's not really her soon to be mother in law.

Eventually, after using the Bekaren device to destroy the baby Nostrovite, Rhys then takes on the Nostrovite Mummy with a chain saw. It doesn't quite go to plan.

Luckily, Captain Jack is there to save the day


Nerys Hughes

‘Brenda’

"The problem seems to be an American with no sense of timing or fashion. And your daughter."

Nerys Hughes was born in Rhyl, North Wales, on November the 8th, 1941. She is an actress and producer, known for her roles in the 70s and 80s from The Liver Birds to District Nurse, but also for her role in Doctor Who back in 1982 as Todd for the story Kinda. There is no mention of any more television roles as an actress since Nerys played Brenda in Torchwood: Something Borrowed. She did reprise this role for Big Finish story Visiting Hours.

Nerys reads audio stories for Calibre Audio Library. She reads a range of different genres from Family Stories, General Fiction, Romance, and Biography. There are 10 stories available to listen to, or buy, or stream.


In fact, since Torchwood, Nerys has narrated a number of stories for a number of audio companies, including Simply Audiobooks. She even narrates Doctor Who: The Awakening for the BBC Audiobooks, which was published in 2014. So, if you can't find Nerys acting, you most certainly can find her around the audio libraries. Just type her name into any and you'll come up with a few lists. She has a wonderful voice; I could listen to all day.



Sharon Morgan

‘Mary Cooper’


"Oh, don't be sorry, Gwen. I can't wait to see the look on Rhys's mum's face. It's wonderful news, Gwen. Your dad's been going blue holding his breath waiting for a little grandchild."

Mary Cooper was a little surprised to find her daughter Gwen, pregnant, and not a word mentioned until the actual wedding.

Check out our interview with Sharon from a few years past. http://projecttorchwood.blogspot.com/2013/12/interviews-sharon-morgan-aka-mary.html

Sharon had a much bigger involvement in the story during the Miracle Day season in 2011 as Mary Cooper, when her on screen husband Geraint Wyn Cooper was taken ill, and never recovered. It was a truly sad moment for Torchwood fans.


Since Torchwood, Sharon has played Nana Flo in Hollyoaks Later series for 5 episodes in 2012. Mother Albina in Da Vinci's Demons a year later. Dixie's Mum in Svengali in the same year and Esmerelda Dwyer in The Evermoor Chronicles for 24 episodes from 2014 - 2016. Sharon played Lissie for Diwrnod for 8 episodes in 2017 and as many before her, has appeared in Holby City playing June Owain in the episode For the Love of Maureen.

This year Sharon plays Lissie (no connection) in 15 Days, a television series (2019) and in post-production, plays Matron in The Laura Marlin Mysteries: Dead Man's Cove.


William Thomas

‘Geraint Wyn Cooper’


"Poor girl, this wedding’s got her stressed to pieces. Thinks that baby of hers is an alien from outer space."


Geraint is worried for his daughter after she informs him that the baby is actually an alien and that it's part of her job to catch aliens.

Geraint Wyn Cooper is a proud man and we learn more about him in the final story of his life in Miracle Day. This episode saw him as the proud dad seeing his daughter up the aisle, baby or no baby.


Since Torchwood William has played a vicar in Gavin & Stacey between 2007 and 2010, William in Alys from 2011 - 2012 for 16 episodes. Robert Owen in Hinterland in 2016 and in one episode as Stan for the television series Requiem in 2018. In 2019 he played William, I'm sure no relation, in another television series, Hymns & Arias.


Robin Griffith

‘Barry Williams’

"Listen, Rhys. Your mother says this wedding is becoming a nightmare. As if Gwen showing up pregnant wasn't bad enough. Now, you are sure it's yours, aren't you?"


Barry and Brenda Williams, proud parents of only child Rhys, get more than they bargained for at the wedding of the century.

Since Torchwood, he played Mr Jenkins in Zanzibar television series in 2011, and the Man in the Lift in The Shadow Line in the same year.

Robin died in 2017. He was 78.


Colette Brown

‘Carrie (Nostrovite Mummy)’


"You're lucky. I'm watching my figure. But maybe I'll keep you for tea."

After being impregnated by a Nostrovite, Mummy Nostrovite follows Gwen to the venue. It's time for Mummy to meet her baby. Naturally, she shapeshifts along the way, until its time to take what is hers.


Since Torchwood, Colette Brown has played a host of characters in the afternoon medical drama Doctors from 2003 - 2017. Has played for the past 2 episodes, Dr. Kennedy in the tv soap. Colette is married to Gary Love and they have one child together.


Danielle Henry

‘Megan’

"Didn't you see the look on her face when he showed up? Anyway, I'd better go and find Mervyn. Tell him not to bother getting George Michael out the back of the van."


Megan and Trina were two of the bridesmaids at the wedding. One of them discovered the body of the guy they had travelled with, murdered by the Nostrovite.

Danielle Henry is an actress, producer and composer. Since Torchwood she has been associate producer for the documentary Word is Bond in 2018. As an actress, Danielle has played short role characters, but amongst all of that, semi regular characters for television series' such as Sally-Ann for Candy Cabs in 2011, Mandy Marquez for Doctors between 2005 - 2014.

In the Moving On series, Danielle played two different character roles, in 2010 as Jen in I am Darleen Fyles, and this year (2019) as Trish in A Walk in my Shoes.



Ceri Ann Gregory

‘Trina’


"Class on toast. Hey, you should get a brochure, Mervyn. If some poor girl ever gets drunk enough to marry you."


Trina was one of the bridesmaids at the wedding. One of them discovered Marv in the bedroom after being 'eaten' by the Nostrovite.

There's no mention of any other roles since Torchwood: Something Borrowed.


Jonny Owen

‘Banana Boat’


"Hey, baby, if you're looking for my room, you just passed it, mind."


Banana Boat was the Best Man, and fancied his chances with Toshiko. He got a little more than he bargained for after discovering Merv in the bedroom with the Nostrovite.

Jonny Owen is not only an actor, but a presenter, writer and director. As a writer he was creator of I Believe in Miracles in 2015 and writer of Svengali in 2013. In the Casting Department he was presenter of The Boot Room in Series 2, Episode 66, in 2016. Jonny was producer for 74 episodes from 2015 - 2016 and executive producer for 2 episodes in 2016.
In 2009 was producer of Good Arrows.

As a director, Jonny directed the two documentaries Don't Take Me Home in 2017 and I Believe in Miracles in 2015.


Since Torchwood Jonny has played single character roles as well as larger character roles such as Ady in UK television series Shameless from 2009 - 2010. In 2014 played Joe in mini series Glue for 4 episodes. In 2015 played Taff in This is England '90.

If you follow Jonny on social media, you'll discover he has a real passion for the 'beautiful game' and his 'stories' regarding his Dad and times gone by do really lift your mood on a dull afternoon when rain has hampered any chance of getting out for a spot of fresh air.


Morgan Hopkins

‘Mervyn’
"Now, a looker like you must be on the bride's side. I don't think they've got your sort of style in Rhys' family."


Mervyn was providing the music for the event after the wedding. When he struck it lucky with Carrie, he got a little more than he bargained for when they returned to his room, later.


Since Torchwood, Morgan has played small roles, including Gareth in episode one of Keeping Faith in 2017. His largest role was as Gwyn Wilde for 10 episodes in Gwaith/Cartref in 2018. Some of you may remember Morgan from Tracy Beaker days - Justine Littlewood's Dad!

There are no further credits



Valerie Murray

‘Registrar’

"Do take thee, Rhys Alun Williams, to be my lawful wedded husband."


Valerie was the registrar at the wedding.


After Torchwood, Valerie played an Old Woman in The Royals episode Forgive Me This My Virtue in 2018.


Pethrow Gooden

‘Shop Assistant’

"Of course you are, sir. You'd be surprised. We're quite used to men buying for their friends."


Pethrow was the shop assistant at the wedding dress shop that Ianto visited for Gwen's dress.


Since Torchwood, Pethrow only appeared in one other role and that was of Actor in Play in the the television series Peep Show, in episode Burgling in 2008.


There's no mention of the actors who played the Nostrovite that bit Gwen, or the one that came at her in the Gents loos. So, if you know who they are - message us below and we'll extend the search.


 Photo of Jonny and Vicky McClure courtesy 
of Jonny Owen and Vicky McClure

Interviews An Interview with Ian Hanmore by DJ Forrest



Hi Ian, you play mostly characters who only appear in a handful of episodes, is this by choice? Have you ever wanted to play characters who have a longer onscreen presence?

Ian: No, not by choice, that’s what I’m offered.

Although short roles, they are memorable roles, such as Game of Thrones as Pyat Pree and Doctor Who as Father Angelo - what interests you about characters such as these?


Ian: These are fun characters to play. It’s particularly nice if your directors trust you enough to make something unusual of them as was the case with both these jobs. Angelo very controlled and Pyat slightly unhinged!

During the fight scenes in Tooth & Claw (2007) in the courtyard, did you have training from a fight choreographer, and did you also do any of the acrobatic performances like the other 'monk' characters?


Ian: I was given great instruction by Dave Forman in the use of the staff and although I didn’t do any aerial stuff, I had an arranged fight with veteran stuntman Tony van Silva which was also repeated by an experienced martial artist double. The two versions were then intercut - which you’ll spot if you slomo! Pleased to say most of my stuff was used - great fun all round!!

Were your stage roles as big as your characters in film and television, or as memorable as those in the above and Outlander?

Ian: I’m most proud of having played Mohammed Mossadeq, the democratically elected PM of Iran who was deposed in a CIA plotted coup in 1953 in Wildcat Theatre’s 2009 production The Fall of the Peacock Throne, an exciting piece of theatre exposing a disturbing event and the US’s first “Black Op”.

Also very much enjoyed taking the role of Danforth in the National Theatre of Scotland’s first touring production of Miller’s, The Crucible.

Were you a fan of Doctor Who before you took the role of Father Angelo? If so, who was your Doctor, growing up and who still is your Doctor?

Ian: Oh yeah! William Hartnell in the sixties, Tom Baker in the seventies and David Tennant in the noughties. Loving Jody Whittaker’s now!

Have you voiced any characters for Doctor Who or Torchwood for Big Finish Audios?

Ian: No, would love to though!

What productions are you currently involved with and can you share anything with us at the moment?

Ian: Nothing at the mo although I filmed a couple of episodes of the yet to be aired Prime series “Carnival Row”, playing another cleric (!) Master Thorne.

Can you tell us anything about your character, Master Thorne and about the series? Is it set in the US or the UK?

Ian: It’s set in an alternate reality London. I filmed it in the Invalidovna, an impressive disused military sanatorium in Prague.

Have you voiced any video game characters?

Ian: No.

Although your IMDB credit list only lists your acting roles, have you ever worked behind the camera, as writer, director, producer?

Ian: No


Is there a role out there that you would love to play above all others?

Ian: Yes, the next one!

There are a lot of photos that depict life in London in the height of the 50s and 60s, with fashion and the music scene, but what was it like growing up and living in Edinburgh at that time? Were you a trend setter?

Ian: I was quite hairy back in the day and hauled before the Headmaster on a number of occasions for infringements of dress, cheeky English Compositions etc. Happy days...

Do you still live in Edinburgh or visit as often, if you don't?


Ian: Live there.

Between rests in filming, how do you relax?

Ian: Five grandchildren - no relaxing! And I write and record music as I’ve always done - secretively!

I understand that acting is a hard profession and not one to be taken lightly, so naturally, you'd need to be able to keep the wolf from the door during the quiet spells in between programmes/productions - what jobs have you taken while waiting for the next acting gig to come along?

Ian: Car delivery and hospital filing.

What book are you reading at the moment?

Ian: Dickens’s Little Dorrit

How did you get into acting and who was your role model growing up?


Ian: Mid-life crisis, dead end job. Guess I did want to act as a child. Loved Peter O’Toole, Malcolm McDowall. Got laughed out of the Career’s Masters office for mentioning my ambition. Cue puberty (and a beckoning life as a rock star) followed in due course by my disillusioned thirties.

Are you a method actor?


Ian: No. Read a bit of Mamet got a bit interested while studying acting skills at tech college in 93/94 but never really bought into it, prefer acting intuitively (all I really can do actually).

Have you ever 'corpsed' during rehearsals, or during a take? A fit of the giggles that just won't settle?

Ian: I’ve had my moments but none are standing out. Funny old game though...Feel lucky to have stayed with it so far.

Thank you, Ian, for a truly wonderful interview

Headshot photo courtesy of Margaret MacDonald