The Whoniverse Round-Up February 2020

February 2020

Paul Kasey

We caught up with Paul Kasey recently and we were excited to discover that he was back in Doctor Who’s latest season in two roles. Kasey explained that it was his first time on Doctor Who without a mask. He played Harold Green in Nikola Tesla’s Night of Terror episode. He was sporting red eyes, which I took to be contact lenses but was informed that this was a visual effect that was added later.

Kasey also appeared in the episode Fugitive of the Judoon on the 26^th January, as Ko Sho Blo. I hope he returns for more Who soon.

Julie Barclay

Julie Barclay is currently busy working on a new project that will be out sometime later this year. It’s an Indie film for the BFI, called Martyrs Lane, directed by Ruth Platt and stars Denise Gough (Stella), Steven Cree (TW: Uncanny Valley), Anastasia Hille (Keeping Faith), Hannah Rae (Broadchurch) and Kiera Thompson (Three More Sleeps).

Hannah and Kiera play sisters in the story.

Julie plays Janet ‘a lonely isolated woman struggling to care for her elderly mother’ in this ghost horror story.

Martyrs Lane Facebook Page gives an insight into the filming and worth a follow, guys. 

https://www.facebook.com/martyrslanefilm/

Simon Fisher-Becker

My Dalek Has Another Puncture is the second in Simon’s autobiographical trilogy, full of accounts of his life after Doctor Who, from auditions, castings, filming and recordings. It’s an interesting read and should ideally adorn everyone’s bookshelf.

It’s available now in paperback for £9.99 on Amazon. It’s also available to purchase in Kindle format.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Dalek-another-Puncture-Fisher-Beckers-autobiography-ebook/dp/B07ZHJSTFP/ref=dp_kinw_strp_1

Steven Savile

On the topic of new books to read. Steven Savile has a new book out. In eBook form only at the moment but one that looks like my kind of read. Tell me you’re not just a little bit tempted?

Scavenger Summer.

The summer of 1986. A summer of beachcombing and skinny dipping, of amusement arcades, karate games and Penny Falls, of first loves, fumbled experiences, excitement and possibilities. A summer where anything could happen. Those teenage days truly were the best ones of my life. Right up until the moment I found my mother’s body washed up on the beach.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Scavenger-Summer-Steven-Savile-ebook/dp/B0838K7FCS

If you have any news you would like to share with us. Something that we can post up in our Round Up. Do please get in touch.

See you in March.

The Whoniverse Round-Up June 2019

June 2019

Nathan Sussex

Hollyoaks did well at the recent Soap Awards ceremony, picking up a few gongs, including Best Villain of the Year going to Nathan Sussex. Congratulations. Nathan collected his award, wearing his Nathan Parker Bespoke creation (sparkly jacket)

Last Summer 

I'm gutted that living where I do, that I won't be able to see this film unless I visit Wales any time soon. So really hoping it comes out on DVD at some point in the future. Nathan plays a character in this but unsure if he's another baddie or if he's a bit of a goodie. You will have to let us know if you're able to catch the film.

Premise: During a long hot summer in the 1970s untroubled by the adult world, four boys roam free until tragedy strikes with devastating consequences. Taking matters into their own hands, will the boys learn the value of their childhood friendship in the face of their impending fate?

View the trailer here: http://www.filmhubwales.org/films/last-summer

Writer and Director Jon Jones

Producer Katherine Lannon and Catrin Defis Lewis

Cast: Noa Thomas, Grufydd Weston, Rowan Jones, Christopher Benning, Richard Harrington (Hinterland), Steffan Rhodri (Keeping Faith, Gavin & Stacey), Steffan Cennydd, Ruth Olman, Roberet Wilfort (Gavin & Stacey), Nia Roberts (Keeping Faith, Doctor Who) and Nathan Sussex (Hollyoaks, Torchwood)

Filmed and set in Wales and supported by Ffilm Cymru Wales. Currently only available to view in Wales, UK. Is in English and runs for 97 mins.

Good Omens

It's receiving some fantastic reviews across the world when it premiered on Friday on Amazon Prime. Those of us who are yet to see it, may need to either purchase something for a month of free Amazon Prime, or wait until it comes to the BBC sometime in the New Year. I have heard that there is also the possibility of a Good Omens Box Set later in 2020, but don't quote me on that. I think I might start saving for that possibility now, just in case.

To any of you who have been enjoying back to back episodes of Good Omens and wish to shout about it to the world – we are currently looking for fresh reviewers – so if you have an article up your sleeve, or indeed on your computer, then whack it over to us, for a chance of it being in our next Issue out in July!

Gavin & Stacey

Ruth Jones and James Corden have returned to pen another Christmas Special which brings Gavin & Stacey back to our screens. Can’t wait. I believe much of the original cast will be there, and it will be interesting to see if the original Neil will be in the story or a completely different child. He must be about 10 now???

Quantum Assassin by Matt Langley

Steven Savile’s latest novel ‘White Peak’ hasn't had the easiest start to life, after a major screw up with the publishing company responsible for launching his new series under the Ronan Frost penname. But he's nothing if not resourceful. Instead of crying woe is me, I’m glad to say, Steven is fighting back by taking control of his own destiny. He is launching his own publishing company, BAD PRESS, and his latest ‘science fantasy fun novel with an 80s soul and slightly mad sensibility’. He writes it with long time friend and fellow Doctor Who scribe Paul Ebbs. Writing under the Matt Langley name (which saw Steven become a finalist for the People's Book Prize with Black Flag) Steven is already in the process of hiring artists and designing the next release, Dagger of the Martyrs, a Knights Templar fantasy novel. And we wish him all the very best luck with that. So, if you’re in the market for a new ebook, then be sure to purchase a copy on Amazon and photograph your copy and send it to Steven to be in with a chance of winning a competition he has for this month.

“Anyone who sends me a proof of purchase for this gets put into a draw I’m making on the 25th of the month, offering not one... not two... okay this could go on a while, but fifty signed hardcovers of my St Martin’s and Severn House novels... to steve@stevensavile.com  “

Nathan Sussex photo courtesy of Nathan Sussex

The Whoniverse Round-Up August 2017

August 2017

John Barrowman

This month saw John Barrowman rushed to hospital with an appendicitis.  After surgery to remove his appendix, he now sports three holes in his belly, which we’ve yet to see – but not sure we really want to. He vlogged his way through his stay at the hospital, watched over by his Mum and Dad and sister Carole. Heavily sedated for the pain, he kept his fans up to date on everything, slipping in and out of his Scottish accent that we don’t often get to hear – unless he’s with his family.

Glad to note that surgery went well and he’s home convalescing. Or out Comic Conning!

Steven Savile.

Primeval: Shadow of the Jaguar written by Steven Savile is to be made into a fan made film. Steven has been in talks with The Primeval Site guys on Twitter, and putting the finishing touches to the script for the film. If you were a fan of the Primeval series, then you will be excited as I am to see this story mark the 10th anniversary of the series. Yes, folks. 10 years since Primeval first aired. Can you believe it? No, I was shocked too.

Primeval brought us such great characters and creatures, got a little bit confusing, lost the plot a few times, but all in all, a brilliant tea time series to keep our imagination flowing long after the series ended.

The special effects alone were worth sticking around for, and the 'will they, won't they' moments with Abby and Connor were top of the agenda.

To keep pace with the film as it's put together, check out the Primeval X website for teasers, clips and trailers and exclusive behind the scenes, coming soon.

http://theprimevalsite.weebly.com/primeval-x.html

As well as this exciting news, Steven has a few books to look out for this year. If you’re a fan of Akiri, there’s a third novel out on Tuesday. Akiri Sands of Darkness and Akiri Dragonbane have also just been released.

Winter’s Rage with Sean Black will be due for release soon, and Glass Town is out in December, which means, I’m going to need a bigger bookcase!!!

Paul Magrs

Did you know that Paul Magrs is also an illustrator? No, neither did I. I knew he could draw, and paint, but I didn’t realise he was now an accomplished illustrator. 

You can check out his work in Terry Molloy’s new book Montmorency Montgomery Bear - The Bear with the Ginormous Heart. Published by FBS Publishing Limited. If you give @Montmorencybear a follow on Twitter you’ll discover more about his new book.

Guy Adams

Guy has a new book out in January 2018, which you can preorder through Amazon which will intrigue gamers and readers alike. Follow the link or go onto the solarisbooks website for  more in depth details

http://www.solarisbooks.com/post/2155

Mark Morris

Check out Mark's new book releases this month. His Obsidian Heart novels are up to their third instalment are out NOW.

Mark has also written the movie novelisation of The Great Wall, a film I had my sights set on watching but just haven't managed to get to a cinema yet. The original story was written by Thomas Tull and Max Brooks.

You can find further details of Mark’s novels by visiting his website or clicking the link here. http://www.markmorrisfiction.com/news-1/

Definitely going to need a bigger bookcase this year.

And possibly work permanent overtime!!!

So, if you’re a book fiend such as me, then you’ll need to talk nicely to the bank manager or do some serious saving. These are books worth collecting.

That’s it for this month. Meet us back here in September for some more tasty treats!

The Whoniverse Round-Up December 2016

December 2016.

It’s a bit shorter, our Whoniverse Round-Up but there’s still plenty to say, and plenty to check out, be it television, stage or grabbing a good book to read.

John Barrowman

John is back in panto this year, not in Glasgow however, but the Birmingham Hippodrome, back with The Krankies, this year in Dick Whittington. So, sparkly costumes, gags galore and lots of giggling. Let’s hope there are no horses to fall off this time, and he keeps his feet firmly on the floor….oh what are we saying, this is John, right?

You can find out more details on his website here:  http://www.johnbarrowman.com/stage/dick2016.shtml

Class

Since reviewing and researching the series, we have discovered there are three novels accompanying this series, written by Guy Adams, James Goss and AK Benedict. The book series was released on 27^th October this year and although we’re sure you can purchase them in all good book shops, we do have the link for them here to purchase on Amazon. If you’re dubious about links, just head over to Amazon and type in the titles or ISBN codes of these books and go from there.

Joyride by Guy Adams Paperback novel released on 27th October 2016, available to buy on Amazon https://www.amazon.co.uk/Class-Joyride-Guy-Adams/dp/1785941860

BBC Books. ISBN 9781785941863.

What She Does Next Will Astound You by James Goss https://www.amazon.com/Class-What-Does-Next-Astound/dp/1785941887

BBC Books. ISBN 9781785941887.

The Stone House by AK Benedict BBC Books. ISBN 9781785941870.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Class-Stone-House-K-Benedict/dp/1785941879

Nathan Sussex

Back in our previous Round Up we mentioned a drama called LUDO, starring Nathan Sussex. Although this isn’t the official cover for the drama, we do now know when it will air.

It will come out on 5^th December at 11.15pm on BBC 2 Wales.

Steven Savile

If you’re a fan of the Veil Knights novels, then you’ll be pleased to know that the second Rowan Casey novel is available to buy this month. Veil Knights is an Arthurian Myth meets Urban Fantasy, and just going by the blurb on the Rowan Casey website, and the front cover of the book, I’m hooked already and can’t wait to sink my teeth into the novel although I will have to wait till January 2017, when the paperback book is released. Steven is one of 12 writers of the Rowan Casey stories, and if you're already a fan of Grimm stories, then you really won't be disappointed in these. 

Check out the Rowan Casey website to read more about these fantastic novels and what the fans are saying about them. 

http://www.rowancasey.com/

First novel The Circle Gatherers

Link to buy in the US https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MSP0HYG

Link to buy in the UK

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01MSP0HYG

Hound of Night is Book Two of the Veil Knights, the Second Rowan Casey novel

Hound of Night US

https://www.amazon.com/Hound-Night-Veil-Knights-Book-ebook/dp/B01N2MNTJ8

Hound of Night UK

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Hound-Night-Veil-Knights-Book-ebook/dp/B01N2MNTJ8

Cloak of Fury is released on 13th December.

Have a great festive season everyone, and see you back here on 1^st January 2017.

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

News Happy Birthday Saskia Deck & Steven Savile 12th October 2014

Happy Birthday Saskia, you celebrate your birthday with author Steven Savile, writer of Doctor Who 'Short Trips' novels as well as Torchwood audio story ‘Hidden’ as well ‘Gordian’ and ‘Black Water’ for Torchwood magazine and yearbook. Including OGMIOS team novels and Alex Archer series.  To find out more read our brilliant interview that we had with Steven in April of this year by following this link. http://projecttorchwood.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/interviews-interview-with-steven-savile.html

In 1968, episode 5 of The Mind Robber was broadcast.  It was Season 6 and starred Patrick Troughton as the 2^nd Doctor with companions Jamie McCrimmon and Zoe Heriot. 

Writers were Peter Ling & Derrick Sherwin, Director was David Maloney.

The TARDIS explodes, propelling the crew into a strange world peopled by fictional characters....*

In 1987, episode 2 of Paradise Towers was broadcast.  It was Season 24 and starred Sylvester McCoy as the 7^th Doctor with companions Melanie Bush and Ace.

Richard Briers played Chief Caretaker, Catherine Cusack played Blue Kang Leader, Elizabeth Spriggs played Tabby.

Writer was Stephen Wyatt and Director was Nicholas Mallett.

A block of flats occupied by street gangs and cannibalistic geriatrics is ruled by a dictatorial caretaker and his cronies...*

In 1988, Episode 2 of Remembrance of the Daleks was broadcast.  It was Season 25 and again starred Sylvester McCoy as the Doctor with Ace as his companion. 

George Sewell played Ratcliffe, Michael Sheard played the Headmaster, Terry Molloy played Emperor Dalek and Davros,

Writer was Ben Aaronovitch and Director was Andrew Morgan.

Arriving in 1963 London to reclaim the Hand of Omega, the Doctor is caught between two rival Dalek factions...*

And finally in 2012, P.S. was broadcast. A mini (5 minute) episode featuring Rory Williams, with the 11^th Doctor, Amy Pond and Brian Williams in cameo roles, that was set after Rory and Amy’s departure in ‘The Angels Take Manhattan’  and depicts a letter sent from Rory to his Dad Brian, explaining why he could never return.  The episode was dubbed “the scene that was never shot” as it was told through storyboard drawings. 

It was Season 7.

Writer was Chris Chibnall

Other people with a birthday today are:  Josh Hutcherson, Hugh Jackman, Luciano Pavarotti (1935-2007), Aleister Crowley (1875-1947) and Rick Parfitt.

Have a wonderful birthday from everyone at Project: Torchwood

Resources:

©BBC Doctor Who 1963

Wikipedia

Campbell (2000) Doctor Who Pocket Essential Guide* 

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Doctor-Who-The-Mind-Robber/dp/B0006PTYOM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1413107184&sr=8-1&keywords=doctor+who+the+mind+robber

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Doctor-Who-Paradise-Towers-DVD/dp/B004VRO84M/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1413107243&sr=8-1&keywords=doctor+who+Paradise+towers

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Doctor-Who-Remembrance-Anniversary-Collection/dp/1849905983/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1413107299&sr=8-2&keywords=doctor+who+Remembrance+of+the+Daleks