Project: Torchwood: Jonny Owen

Once again, another month in lockdown and it seems we’re far from clear of this invisible threat to humankind. It’s funny how it sounds so much like one of the sci fi programmes and films we’ve grown up watching on the television over the years.

So, our intrepid team have put their noggins together and brought you yet more reviews of some stonkingly awesome audios from Big Finish, and those old Classic Doctor Who episodes from yesteryear. Also, our Who reviewer Matt has written a Who story that will blow your socks off. I’m in absolute awe of it. Do please mind you read A Doubtful Holiday. I can actually visualise the companions of the 13^th Doctor pulling all those expressions.

We see Lady Mayhurst’s first chapter of Laura from her Dark Doctor series begin, with Chapter 2 airing in July. You can always get ahead of the stories by visiting the Dark Doctor Page on Facebook (link is in last month’s Issue.

Andrew has delighted us with both parts of the Sarah Jane Adventure story – The Temptation of Sarah Jane Smith – bring some hankies, it’s a tear jerker.

We delve into the horror story that is Apostle, for some DW, SJA and TW connections and scare ourselves silly with the film itself. I have to admit, it’s just not my cup of tea, or coffee or milkshake. I’m such a wimp! But there are a lot of cast in there and some surprising scary ass make up that leaves you asking yourself – is that really Gwen’s Mum – Mary Cooper???

We have more Lockdown Specials to share with you and we hope to have more next month, along with hopefully a little surprise to share with you all. So, watch this space. If you want to get involved in the Lockdown Specials by writing one of your own, do please get in touch with us. We’d love to share your stories.

Thank you as ever to all the wonderful people who have shared their stories and their reviews with us this month.

Which leaves me with only one more thing to say.

Croeso i Issue 81: WATNOW: MD: Dead of Night (bit of a mouthful, I have to admit).

Djak

Articles Lockdown Special June Edition by DJ Forrest

Hi Folks

For our June Edition of Lockdown Special, we have not only writers and broadcasters, we also have our very own team writer, Matt, adding his words to the post. If you would like to join in with our Lockdown articles, do please get in touch as we’d all love to hear from you.

Sunday, 8 December 2019

The Whoniverse Round-Up December 2019

December 2019

Jonny Owen

“Well I did it and it’s unbelievably hard work. Uncomfortable, damp, noisy.”

Club's Chief Executive Ioannis Vrentzos, and Executive Director Jonny Owen joined Nottingham Forest for the Big Sleep Out, raising money for the homeless through Framework. So far they've raised over their £5000 target. 'All funds go directly to supporting those who are sleeping rough locally, getting people off the streets...' This is Nottingham Forest's second Big Sleep Out. It took place on 23rd November at The City Ground.

You can still donate to the page by helping them raise even more, by following this link.
Either click on the link or copy and paste

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/nffc-sleepout2019?fbclid=IwAR3q7pCYNLhaqqDcgduQ1wMei9qINggYuEmI7f0V4Jji8vA7XbAflwi8nO4

Jonny posted on his Facebook page about his experience at the event, photos are also courtesy of Jonny Owen.

“The life expectancy of someone who is homeless is 47... You can totally understand that at 1am on a damp November. It's so difficult to get warm let alone sleep. It’s in your bones the rain. Winter must be particularly awful. Also, you're much more likely to be attacked or abused when you're on the street sleeping. How you're much more vulnerable. I mean you're in cardboard boxes but people kick you and spit. Dreadful really, isn’t it?

The great Nye Bevan said we judge our society by how we treat those less fortunate than us. The sick, the homeless, the poor. I actually think it’s incredible how many DO care and try to help. There [are] loads of people doing as much as they can. Volunteers lots of them. They told me about a Welsh lad from Cardiff who was sleeping rough in some church grounds in North Notts. They saved his life. They woke him and his thin tent had completely frozen and he was hours away from dying. He’d recently got off the drink and drugs because they’d got him on a course and into temp accommodation and was even applying for jobs now. That’s Framework. They really do care.

Bless them for that. Bless them for everything they do."

John Barrowman

John Barrowman is back with his latest web series Acursian, the time travelling journey between 1745 and present day, where Charlie Stewart, descendant of Bonny Prince Charlie looks set to lose everything on his 40th birthday, if three talismans are not retrieved from Bregan, the god of war.

If anyone fancies writing a review of this latest series, in the New Year, do please get in touch, by email or through our social networking sites.

https://www.webtoons.com/en/fantasy/acursian/list?title_no=1452&fbclid=IwAR0h3LZlG_NIUkpLSI0tJy2DGYlWWzHYMBDMZKO9dqjHnWsUcznkS94XG3M

On 1st December, Barrowman had a little procedure after suffering a C5/6 facet joint injury. He was given a series of intraspinal injections which reduced the inflammation and got him back on his feet again. An injury like this, can take up to 6 weeks to fully heal. So, we hope he takes it easy and avoids back flips for a while!!!

On 29th November, John's new Xmas album A Fabulous Christmas was released, and I don't think there are many fans left who don't own a copy, downloaded or physical ones. Plus, a gorgeous collection of merch. Joshua has eyes on the teddy!!!

https://www.themerchandisingshop.co.uk/shop/shop.v3/product_list.php?&shopid=764

That’s it for now. See you all in 2020.

Wednesday, 3 February 2016

News Happy 21st Birthday Victoria Manson 3rd February 2016

Happy 21^st Birthday

Victoria Manson

You celebrate your birthday with Mat King, Ben Turner and Warwick Davis. Have an exceptionally great time, Victoria, from everyone at Project: Torchwood

Episodes of Doctor Who on this day:

In 1968, Episode 1 of The Web of Fear saw the Second Doctor with Jamie and Victoria trapped aboard the TARDIS in space before winding up in an underground station in an unusually deserted London.

In 1973, Episode 2 of Carnival of Monsters the Third Doctor and Jo search for a way out of the Scope, while the Vorgs try and amuse the Minorans. The crew aboard the Bernice become a lot less friendly.

In 1979, Episode 3 of The Armageddon Factor saw the Fourth Doctor captured by The Shadow in order for it to lay its hands on the Key to Time. The Doctor’s Companions, search for the missing TARDIS while the Marshall plans an all-out strike against Zeos.

In 1983, Episode 1 of Arc of Infinity saw one of the High Council of Gallifrey executing a treacherous act by transmitting the Fifth Doctor’s bio-extract from the space time matrix to an animated creature. While on Earth, two young men spent their last night in Amsterdam sleeping in a crypt where they’re attacked by an alien being controlled by the animated creature.

A Very Special Thanks to Marnix Van Den Broeke, Justin Walters, Anthony Lewis and Jonny Owen for adding a Special touch to your Birthday Shout Out.

Thursday, 30 October 2014

The Whoniverse Round Up October 2014

October 2014

October, the time of Halloween, putting the clocks back and saving for the coming months when the first glimpse of the Coca Cola truck signifies the festive season is upon us.

October saw celebrations, as well as sad farewells. Last month (September), saw the passing of Maggie Stables, a favourite Who companion in Big Finish Productions, this month saw the passing of Lynda Bellingham, the Oxo Mum, who also starred as the Inquisitor in ‘The Trial of a Time Lord,’ read our Tribute to her here: http://projecttorchwood.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/the-mothership-tribute-to-lynda.html

14^th October, saw John Barrowman receive his MBE at Buckingham Palace. A medal he quite rightly deserves. You can find more photos on Barrowman’s website http://johnbarrowman.com/fanzone/galleries/outabout/investiture/investituregallery.shtml

This month also saw the release of The Maze Runners, one to look out for, especially the Whovians amongst us. It stars Thomas Brodie-Sangster, who played Tim Latimer in ‘Human Nature’ and ‘Family of Blood’, check out our review by Bekah “Witch’s Cat” Shambrook, by clicking this link: http://projecttorchwood.blogspot.co.uk/2014/10/beyond-tardis-film-review-maze-runner.html

What to look out for over the next couple of months

John R Walker is currently working on a new film called “Amityville Legacy” which was shot in Canada this September and October and should be out to buy on DVD in April. The “Amityville Legacy” Facebook Page is currently under construction, (it’s currently known as “Amityville Playhouse”) but it asks if you can unfollow if you’re presently following that page, so it can change its name to “Amityville Legacy”. (Facebook policy – has to be less than 200 people following in order for it to change its name) so can’t send you the link for that at the current moment.

Last year we interviewed John with regards to his Who and Torchwood involvement, check out the interview here. http://projecttorchwood.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/interviews-john-r-walker.html

Jonny Owen

Aside from playing the role of Joe in Channel 4's 'Glue', Jonny Owen is currently directing and producing a documentary about the European Cup winning team Nottingham Forest, called ‘I Believe in Miracles.’

Last year we interviewed Jonny about his role in Torchwood and his current projects, read it here: http://projecttorchwood.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/interviews-jonathan-owen.html

Justin Walters is playing a lead role in a new Horror Short called ‘The Money Tree’, it’ll be a crowd funded project, and we’ll have more details on that when they come in.

We interviewed Justin last year; follow this link to read it here: http://projecttorchwood.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/interviews-justin-walters.html

Comic News

Andrew Cartmel is currently working on a graphic novel version of ‘Rivers of London’ novel for Titan Comics, with Ben Aaronovitch. ‘Rivers of London’ is the title of Ben Aaronovitch’s series of novels of which he describes it as “the world’s cheapest ever SF soap opera, Jupiter Moon.” The novel follows the adventures of Peter Grant, a young officer in the Met, who after an unexpected encounter with a ghost, is recruited by a smaller unit within the Met that deals with magic and the supernatural.

The series has a massive following and has prompted a music video with lyrics and music by Ben Bailey “Doc Brown” Smith, a cool UK rapper who created the 13 part teen comedy-drama on CBBC, ‘The 4 O’clock Club’.

The comic book is due out in April 2015, check here for more details: http://downthetubes.net/?p=17173

Last year we interviewed Andrew Cartmel read it here: http://projecttorchwood.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/interview-with-andrew-cartmel-for.html

Titan Comics are also bringing out 9^th Doctor stories in 2015 which will feature Captain Jack Harkness and Rose Tyler. Now isn’t that worth looking out for!

Novels to look out for this month:

Steven Savile has a few new novels out this month, and a few older novels with rebooted covers which I have to say look much better than the previous. (I’m going to need a bigger bookshelf)

Crucible is out November 4^th, also this month are Immortal and Time’s Mistress. New covers on the Osmiog series are definitely worth a look see, and I’ve got my eye on quite a few of them.

You can follow the links from his website http://www.stevensavile.com to find the novels or go directly to Amazon UK or US, iTunes, Kobo or Barnes & Noble. We’ve posted up a few links below for Amazon UK

http://www.stevensavile.com/index.php/2014-02-23-20-44-48/2014-02-23-20-45-22/ogmios-team-novels

A few links to look out for:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Immortal-Steven-Savile-ebook/dp/B00MQAI1V2/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1414690135&sr=8-1&keywords=Steven+Savile+Immortal

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Times-Mistress-Steven-Savile-ebook/dp/B00NUAG5AG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1414690257&sr=8-1&keywords=Steven+Savile+Time%27s+Mistress

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Crucible-Ogmios-Team-Novels-Book-ebook/dp/B00MQ9HJD4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1414690329&sr=8-1&keywords=Steven+Savile+Crucible

Check out our interview with Steven here: http://projecttorchwood.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/interviews-interview-with-steven-savile.html

Have a great November.

Special thanks to Andrew Cartmel, Steven Savile, In Print Comics, Justin Walters, John R. Walker and Jonny Owen

Friday, 4 July 2014

News Happy Birthday Jonny Owen

Happy Birthday Jonny

Jonny Owen appeared in Torchwood during ‘Something Borrowed’ as Banana Boat, a mate of Rhys Williams’. To us Jonny is also known as Dixie, who went to London to secure a record contract for the band he was manager of in ‘ Svengali’. In 2013 we interviewed Jonny about his acting, writing, and his love of music - http://projecttorchwood.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/interviews-jonathan-owen.html

Did you know on this day in 1964, The Sensorites Episode 3: Hidden Danger was broadcast? It was Season 1 and starred William Hartnell as the Doctor with Carole Ann Ford, William Russell and Jacqueline Hill as his companions.

Writer was John Lucarotti and Director was John Crockett.

The story told of Barbara being mistaken as an Aztec god in 15^th century Mexico.*

Other birthdays today include: Bill Withers, Calvin Coolidge (US President 1872 – 1933), Jeremy Spencer (Fleetwood Mac), Neil Morrissey, John Waite, Kirk Pengilly (INXS) and Gloria Stuart (Rose – Titanic)

Have a fantastic day Jonny!

Mark Campbell (2000) Pocket Essential Guide*

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Doctor-Who-The-Sensorites-DVD/dp/B006H4R9HA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1404462141&sr=8-1&keywords=Doctor+Who+The+Sensorites

Thursday, 26 June 2014

Beyond the Hub Svengali Review by DJ Forrest

Written by Jonny Owen

Directed by John Hardwick

Broadcast 21^st March 2014

Dixie was a postie from a quiet Welsh mining town where the local taxi was a man with a pony. He had dreams of being a manager of a successful band, and after discovering the band on Youtube he secured the position of their manager. He and his girlfriend (Vicky McClure), with money and good wishes from his parents (Brian Hibbard and Sharon Morgan) set off for London, to make their fortune.

Life in London was not all paved in gold, and while Dixie tried to get people interested in the band, his girlfriend took work where she could to raise the rent and pay the bills as well as afford to eat. The tin of money was to be their start towards their wedding and new life together; they were not to touch that until it was needed.

Securing a record contract seemed the hardest possible thing in the world, and although Dixie had a Welsh friend who was now in the record business, he was not willing to give Dixie the break he needed. Finding work and borrowing from a loan shark seemed the only way to meet the demands of an up and coming band.

Jonny Owen’s portrayal of Dixie is brilliant. Dixie really wants that record contract, he wants to play the manager of a big band, but in amongst all of these dreams is his girlfriend, who after following Dixie to London, has had to secure work in order to keep them both, has had to endure the band dossing in their flat, eating their food, not helping pay the rent, then discovers that their tin of dreams is empty. You do wonder if they will ever patch things up or if Dixie will follow his dreams and become the manager he really wants to be...

The film doesn’t disappoint, it has humour, comedy, snappy wit and the music is fantastic. The scenery, both in London and in Wales, it’s a pleasure to watch and also sharing a few surprises along the way. It was definitely spot how many names you could identify in the film, from Torchwood to Sherlock to the Flying Pickets with names even from the music industry. If you want a great British movie to watch then this is the film for you. And Jonny Owen nails it with Svengali. It’s worth every penny!

5/5

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Thursday, 4 June 2020

Articles Welcome to Issue 81 WATNOW: MD: Dead of Night