Dragonfire- Words by @Zeiton_7 and Pictures by @cheezypeas

"Do you feel like arguing with a can of deodorant that registers nine on the Richter scale?"- Ace

Dragonfire is well known amongst Who fans for three reasons. Firstly, Mel leaves and Ace (the ravishing and feisty Sophie Aldred) joins The Doctor. Secondly, evil Kane melts at the end (this special effect is still shocking for Doctor Who and I still love it) Thirdly, the end of episode one cliff hanger involves The Doctor dangling over the edge of a sheer drop by his umbrella for absolutely no reason what so ever.

It is the third point I wanted to pick up on but before I do....... YEAH SHE'S GONE, THE ANNOYING SCREAMY IRRITATING MEL HAS GONE!!! Well thats now out of my system! No wait
WAAAHOOO!!!

...and we're back in the room! So where was I? oh yes! The Doctor clambers of the edge of a sheer icy drop and dangles, held by his trademark umbrella. Why? Why would you do that? Did he realise time was pressing and he needed to be in peril in order to move to the next episode? I have done some research and can now reveal the following. In the original screen play The Doctor is walking along an icy path and finds his way blocked so is forced to climb down the cliff face. This, rather important piece of information, did not make its way onto the finished filmed article. Andrew Cartmel (Script Editor) points out "one of the things that the director has to bear in mind is the viewers don't know the script"

Anyway, back to the plot. The Doctor and Mel find themselves on Iceworld, a space trading colony on the planet of Svartos. Ruled by the thoroughly unpleasant Kane this is a dangerous place. Kane's body temperature is many hundreds of degrees below zero and one touch can kill. So yes, finally a villain who is not just cold hearted! this guy is cold all over.

In addition to meeting up with Ace, in the coffee shop serving (badly) as a waitress they also reunite with the devious Glitz and together try to uncover the secret of Dragonfire.

I love Glitz, loveable rogue that he is. Not quite evil but he would sell his own mother for a few grotsits!

Dragonfire is Who at its best! great villains, wonderful fighting sequences and the introduction of, in my view one of  the best female companions ever. Move over Pond you can't hold a candle to our Ace!

The end of the story sees the departure of Mel, who is left to bother and annoy Glitz. This, for obvious reasons, is something that displeases him and his facial expression is a joy to behold.

So join us on wednesday, for cold nastiness, a wonderfully stupid literal cliff hanger and Sophie Aldred exploding onto our screens (with the aid of some Nitro 9 of course) for the first time as Ace. To quote the song "You're as cold as ice" and yes he is willing to sacrifice.




We watch Dragonfire at 7.30pm BST with the bar opening for chilled drinks at 7pm #DWBAR

Doctor Who - The Sixties By @The_Knights87

The 60’s.  A decade of psychedelic, strawberry fields, incense and peppermint and putting flowers in your hair.   It was also the decade that spawned a sci-fi phenomenon that still continues to this day.   I am of course talking about Doctor Who.    Yes many of you new to the program may not have been exposed to the early years of Doctor Who.  For shame if you haven’t.  Even though the stories are in black and white and some of the qualities of the effects are, well, let’s just say dated to put it nicely,  does not deter from the overall quality of the story that was written and  acted out by the actors involved.

60’s Doctor Who was an important era in the shows history.  For one it gave us the first appearances of the Dalek and Cybermen.  It introduced us to another of the Doctors people who happen to be a mischievous Monk and who would be the torchbearer to The Master and The Rani.  But the one most important thing that 60’s Doctor Who gave us which is the main thing credited for the shows longevity is of course regeneration. 

Yes regeneration.  If it wasn’t for the producers to come up with this idea then the show would have ended with William Hartnell.  So instead of ending the show with him the producers, well more or less booted William Hartnell from the role, changed actors by having the Doctor change appearances to keep the show going.  Brilliant idea and one that has been an occasion of great sorrow and excitement throughout the years when the current actor has decided to leave and replaced by the new guy.

The two main actors’ that portrayed The Doctor and more or less paved the way for the likes of Tom Baker, Sylvester McCoy, and David Tennant were of course William Hartnell and Patrick Troughton.   

William Hartnell who played The 1^st Doctor was the man who got the ball rolling.  His Doctor came across as crotchety but was also sharp as tack.  His Doctor was also very caring and loving even though he didn’t show it often but it was there.  The First Doctor was also the champion of the little guy.  If there was someone or something being oppressed the First Doctor was right there to help them out.  Whether it was helping earthlings against the Daleks in The Invasion of Earth or helping out Londoners against WOTAN in The War Machines you could expect The First Doctor to be there leading the charge.   

The second man to play The Doctor during the 60’s was Patrick Troughton.   The 2^nd Doctor is generally referred to as the cosmic hobo.  I refer to him as a classic Doctor whose mannerisms have been imitated by future Doctor’s right up to the current one Matt Smith.  His comedic style was quite a change from the dominating presence of his predecessor.  His style was a more kind and bumbling character but when the situation called for it the Second Doctor could be dead serious and commanded respect from his adversaries.   The Second Doctor also liked to make gadgets and brought some mystery to The Doctor like in Tomb of the Cybermen and also in The War Games.

Unfortunately a lot of the stories from the 60’s have been destroyed or lost and we only have a handful of complete stories from this era.  This is a shame really because there are some great stories that will never be seen.   But the ones that we do have are a treasure trove of Doctor Who’s early history and should be watched over and over.  So if you are a new fan of Doctor Who who caught on with the show during David Tennant’s or Matt Smith’s era then you need to do yourself a favor and watch some of the show’s finest stories from the 60’s and see what has inspired the show you are watching now.

The E-Space Trilogy- Warriors' Gate

"Now unless we work very closely together we could be caught here until the crack of doom. Oh, what's the use? Can I have one of your pickles?"

Tomorrow we watch the last story in The E-Space Trilogy and, indeed, the last story to feature Romana and K-9 as companions. Whilst it is well known and commentated on that The Doctor, throughout all his travels, has exhibited sometimes dubious control of the Tardis. This is perhaps the longest period of time where we have seen him lost and powerless to find a way home. What about his exile on Earth during his third regeneration? I hear you say! Well, it was just that, an exile. This is very much of The Doctor's own making. But this situation brings out a vulnerability, played out through the three stories, that bring to the viewer a different aspect to The Doctor. At times he simply doesn't have the answers and, lets face it, if K-9 doesn't know either we are in big trouble!

Warriors' Gate finds the Tardis and it's occupants trapped in a time rift. But they are not alone and soon come into contact with another ship. This ship is crewed by the mysterious Tharil race who are also its cargo. When the Tardis is visited by Biroc, a Tharil, The Doctor is persuaded try and unravel the mysteries surrounding what he has been told. But with K-9 seriously damaged and Romana missing what can he do? (I'd mention Adric but he too is, as usual, a little baffled)

The scene, pictured above, where the Tardis appears alongside the titular Warriors' Gate may look familiar to Doctor Who viewers. It is that particular white, "non space" that was used to such great effect in The Mindrobber (the classic Second Doctor story) This, no doubt, get the program within budget. However in todays world of CGI and sometimes overpowering effects perhaps there is an argument for less is more!

This is a fantastic story that features many twists and turns. Personally, I love the scenes when The Doctor is walking through the mysterious landscapes within the void. It also highlights Romana's compassion for other races and is, in my view, one of her biggest character strengths. Other Timelords are obsessed with power, control or their own self importance but Romana portrays a wonderful warm considerate side. She, in previous stories, has been at odds with The Doctor and would attempt to find more peaceful solutions to the predicaments they found themselves in. She was also his equal and could boast a breathtaking knowledge of the history of civilisations that rivalled The Doctor himself.

What is the mysterious Warriors's Gate? Why is Lazlo so hairy? Will The Doctor ever escape E-Space and how will this trilogy be brought to a close?

 We will find out the answers at 7.30pm tomorrow when we press play #DWBAR

Why I love Jon Pertwee The Third Doctor by @Via_The_Void

I first became a fan of Doctor Who during the Peter Davison era.  However although Davison was my favourite Doctor when I was growing up, and still is to a certain extent, I am rather fond of Jon Pertwee's portrayal in the role.

Jon just exudes class on screen.  He was debonair, charismatic, an action hero and a delight to watch.  No other Doctor has made such an impact on my life than Jon Pertwee's Doctor.  Like many Who fans I've been carefully weaned on a diet of BBC Doctor Who videos.  Can you imagine already being a fan of Doctor Who and having your favourite Doctor (Peter Davison) and then as you explore the many adventures from the previous era's of the show gradually coming to love and appreciate those who used to have control of the TARDIS!  That's how it was for me.

What I also love about Jon's portrayal of the Doctor, is that despite coming from a comedic background he played and took the role extremely seriously and I respect and applaud that decision.  There were still moment of humour, but I always felt safe when I was watching a Third Doctor story, the only time I didn't feel safe, for obvious reasons was the final episode of Planet of the Spiders.  It's heartbreaking for me to watch Pertwee's last adventure as so may of the shows lead stars are no longer with us.

My first BBC video was The Day of the Daleks, the compilation version shown above, it's a classic in my opinion and not just because Jon's in it but because of the dynamic and charisma the Third Doctor has with his companion Jo Grant, ably played by Katy Manning.  Katy and Jon's warmth and friendship together really shows on screen and it is testament to how well we remember that Third Doctor and Jo partnership.  The story also features those other stalwarts of the Pertwee era - UNIT, led by the much missed Nicholas Courtney as the Brigadier.

What I love so much about the Pertwee era is it is very much grounded in reality when the Doctor is exiled to Earth.  There was also some thought provoking stories during this time in the series history, The Green Death stands out particularly for it's environmental issues.  Other stories stretched the format of the show like most of the early seven parters of his very first season, even the classic story The Daemons, which is the only story during the entire run to be a five parter!

This era of the show has a few notable firsts for Doctor Who.  Number One of course is the appearances of the Doctor's arch villain the Master, played superbly by Roger Delgado.  We also discover that the Doctor has two hearts in his debut adventure!  And we first hear the name of the Doctor's home planet in The Time Warrior.  Favourite stories of mine from Jon's era include The Curse of Peladon, Inferno, The Sea Devils and Planet of the Daleks.

For me Jon Pertwee will always be the Doctor.  Through the delights of the BBC Worldwide DVD range, I have come to love and appreciate his time on the show even more.  No disrespect to the other actors to have played the role, but I will always have a deep fondness for the Third Doctor.  Jon Pertwee was a terrific actor and just lights up the screen whenever he appears.  I still feel really sad that he is no longer with us.  I always feel devastated whenever we lose someone from his era.  Why?  I hear you ask.  Simply put for me the Pertwee era is really special to me.  The loss of both Nicholas Courtney and Elisabeth Sladen last year was really heartbreaking for me.

What is interesting is how much this era of Doctor Who has influenced the show we watch today.  Russell T. Davies has said that the first 2005 series was an update of the Pertwee format of the series, that is obvious now when we remember that the Autons featured in the series debut Rose, just like Spearhead From Space many years ago.  Steven Moffat is now building on the strengths handed down from people like Barry Letts and Terrance Dicks.

What a truly unique television series Doctor Who is.  All the actors to have played the role have been tremendous, but I do love Jon Pertwee in the role, as I'm sure many of you reading this article have your own favourite Doctor.  The programme will unfortunately outlive all of them, but they will never ever be truly gone from our hearts and minds, or indeed our DVD players.

Please support the Official BBC Worldwide Doctor Who DVD releases.  Just to remind everyone that the next one up is Death to the Daleks, I shall definitely be getting that one!

The Master by @cheezypeas

“You are indeed a worthy opponent, Doctor. It's what gives your destruction its... piquancy.”

A chameleon, a charlatan. Brimming with evil cunning, and a psychotic megalomaniac to boot; the Master is the yang to the Doctors ying, and is as versatile as a Swiss army knife.

Love him or loathe him, The Master has been the Doctor’s “best enemy” since the Third Doctor’s era. Another renegade Time Lord, but with a more selfish power hungry motive and a begrudging respect for our beloved Doctor.

The Master wasn’t born evil. At the age of eight he undertook the ritual Time lord initiation. As everyone else before him, he peered into the time vortex via the untempered schism, a rather unpleasant experience that either makes or breaks a Time Lord Academy hopeful.

He was driven mad by this exposure, which wasn’t an unusual outcome. However, the constant drumming he believes he heard in his head from that day was unique as we know from the Tenth Doctors era Rassilon actually placed it there during the time war to release the Time Lords. It’s suggested this incessant drumming is why he became corrupt and evil.

By the time we first see the Master in Terror of the Autons he had already reached his final incarnation, but although he was desperate to obtain a new regenerative cycle this didn’t stop him trying to take control of the universe whilst trying to save his own life on numerous occasions.  He becomes adept at disguises and the aliases he used were normally anagrams for “Master”.  He also developed the art of possession in order to keep himself alive, carelessly murdering the innocent victims in the process.

We see his manipulative skills at great effect throughout the years, an expert hypnotist that would put Paul Mckenna to shame and his seemingly charming nature to the naïve assists him in getting where he wants and what he wants. He also has a terrible temper, and his psychotic tendencies often cause him mental conflict.

"What do you mean can I bend spoons and make you act like a chicken?"

Although he is hell bent on destroying the Doctor, the Master does admire his intelligence and ability to stay alive throughout the years. The Doctor himself is also in awe of the Master, but also disappointed as he can see what his full potential could be if he gave up his relentless quest to take over the universe.

Like the Doctor he has had many faces, but his goal always remains the same; take over the Universe, destroy the Doctor and stay alive.

As for you mere mortals; “YOU WILL OBEY ME!”

State of Decay by @The_Knights87

Edward and Bella, Sookie and Bill and other sappy vampire couples are second rate compared to Zargo and Camilla.  Zargo and Camilla along with Aukon is Doctor Who’s one true vampire couple. Long before the Matt Smith story The Vampires of Venice this classic story by long time Who scribe and fan favorite Terrance Dicks actually boasts human vampires and a really cool castle.

The State of Decay is the second part of The E- Space Trilogy and heralded by some to be the best story of the three.  I tend to agree.  Some may say that State of Decay is downright scary and has a paranoid feel to it.  The atmosphere of this episode really makes it one of those stories that you tend to remember long after watching it.

 

It is also a very interesting story in the fact that Terrance Dicks delves into more Timelord history and their involvement in a war with the Great Vampire.  Yes it seems the Timelords were a warmonger race well before they fought in the Time War.   But it is also great to see the Doctor and Romana scared as they are reading the history of the Timelords involvement with the vampires that you tend to get scared yourself. 

Imagine how the Doctor must feel like knowing it is his solemn duty as a Timelord to eradicate the universe of vampires and he happens upon the king of all vampires who happens to be feeding off an IV of blood that Arkon has gathered from sacrificing the villagers.

My fond recollection of watching this story is mainly that the Doctor is fighting vampires. A group of three vampires that is in a sense very odd and very scary.  One hell bent on terrorizing the villagers and the other two who seem to be living an extremely bizarre love life.  Plus it also has a great story of the villagers rising up against their oppressors and winning their freedom.  A staple of most Doctor Who stories but mainly a from the Jon Pertwee era where Terrance Dicks did most of his writing for the show but it was good to see that in a Tom Baker story. 

So if you are a fan of vampires or a fan of really good storytelling in a sci – fi setting then join us in watching State of Decay. 

Ten fo Ten Poll- A Celebration of The Tenth Doctor words by @Dr_Who_Con_Fans and pictures by @Cheezypeas

"no second chances I'm that sort of man"

On Saturday we will be watching the winner of The Ten for Ten- Tennant Poll. So lets take a little trip back to the end of Eccleston's tenure as The Doctor and the announcement that David Tennant was to take over.

On the 31st March 2005 Christopher  Eccleston announced that he was to leave after only one series as The Doctor. Thinking back at this now this was really unusual, as previously actors portraying The Doctor had undertaken at least 3 series or years (The Troughton 3 Year Rule is widely adopted as a sensible one) To have the title character being replaced so early on and especially after the show had only just come back after its 16 year hiatus (broken briefly by the one off tv movie) must have been worrying for the producers. So regeneration is on the cards again and who should they get to replace the outgoing Eccleston?

David Tennant had started to make a name for himself with audiences both of the stage and television. Young and enthusiastic he seemed an ideal choice to replace Eccleston. The BBC announced that Tennant was to take over the role of The Doctor on the 16th April 2005. Who fans undertook their normal activity of waiting and seeing how this new man would portray their beloved Doctor.

The answer was of course very very well. 

The first story of any newly regenerated Doctor is always difficult, both for the audience who are still adjusting to the loss of the previous actor and also for the new actor himself. How to play The Doctor, drawing on all previous regenerations but at the same time adding something new?

The writing by Russell T Davis on  The Christmas Invasion is, in my view, one of the best first Doctor stories ever written. The Doctor is recovering from his regeneration in bed and is not really on screen at all for the first part of the story. We are able to identify with the angst and confusion Rose feels as this mysterious man lies unconscious in bed. 

When Tennant finally bursts,literally, out of The  Tardis on the Sycorax ship we are ready to see what sort of a man he will be.


As it turns out one of "no second chances" and this is the beauty of The Tenth Doctor. He is capable of immense emotion ("My Sarah Jane" and crying with Wilf in "The End of Time") but also really dark almost sinister moments. His Doctor is one who is fiercely loyal to his companions but at the same time still showing the pain he feels for the loss of the Timelords. The moment when The Master dies in his arms is a heart breaking moment and Tennant portrays this, dare I say it, masterfully.

This is a Doctor that can be manic, hyper and just plain mad but also dangerous and totally in control. His final story at the beginning of 2010 made me cry as for once The Doctor did not want to regenerate. 

It is impossible to discuss Tennant without mentioning the fan girls (mostly) I know a certain Whovian who was completely put off The Tenth Doctor because of the reaction he produced from certain quarters. My view is simple on this. Everyone has a favourite Doctor, for any number of reasons and also favourite stories. The problem with some fans is they totally focus on Tennant as if he was the only Doctor. They also can sometimes show scant interest in who proceeded or follo Tennant's. All I say is that to be a Who fan you love the program and the show is  bigger than one person. It has to be!

So join us on Saturday for a Tennant evening. He truly was a fantastic and amazing Doctor and I loved almost every story he took part in. But, as the Brigadier said, "splendid fellows.... all of them"

Full Circle- by @Dr_Who_Con_Fans

On Wednesday we embark on our journey into E-Space with the Doctor, Romana and K9. The first story is one that marks the start of my love affair with Doctor Who. The Marshmen rising out of the mist covered swamp is always an image that will stay in my mind as it both scared and excited me both at the same time. This, for me, is the magic of Doctor Who. It is a programme that can both scare and enthrall and this applies both to adult and child alike.

So the plot, well its really quite simple. The Doctor loses control of the TARDIS and finds himself in an alternative universe known as E-Space, whilst attempting to find a way out our intrepid crew land on Alzarius and all is not well. How many times does this happen to the Doctor?  Wouldn't it be amazing for him to land in a place and find absolutely nothing untoward, have a rest, perhaps something to eat and leave again!

This episode is significant as it introduces  the character of Adric to the show as a regular companion. A great deal has been written about Adric and it has to be said most of it wasn't glowing. I think he has his strengths, his excellent keen mind allows him to debate with the Doctor on almost an equal level. He has, however, a tendency to strop (as most teenagers can do) and this can make him a tad annoying at times.

The other event that everyone remembers Full Circle for is what befalls K9, its not pleasant but then neither is what happens to poor Romana. (if you don't like spiders I'd turn away)

I love this story as it is fun, eventful and full of colourful (literally in the Marshmens case, they're green!) characters.

So please join us on Wednesday at 7.30pm as we depart this universe and start our journey through E-Space. You won't regret it and yes you can "trust me on this"
#DWBar

E-Space³ = RWS² - ATSM Interviews with Composers Paddy Kingsland and Peter Howell

One of the neat things about the E-Space Trilogy on the Doctor Who Bar is that it is at the heart of Series 18, the first season where the BBC Radiophonic Workshop provided not only a revised version of the Doctor Who theme, but the incidental music as well. From the opening minutes of The Leisure Hive we knew that Doctor Who was changing and in a way, Series 18 was a grand experiment. While Roger Limb would be involved later with the Keeper of Traken, two composers made significant contributions to this trilogy - Radiophonic Workshop composers Paddy Kingsland (who would score Full Circle and State of Decay) and Peter Howell (Warrior's Gate). The amount of music both contributed to Series 18 is staggering - both Peter Howell's opening score to Series 18 The Leisure Hive, and Paddy Kingsland's Logopolis are groundbreaking in a series that would see off not only John Leeson's K9 Mark II and Lalla Ward's Romana II, but the longest serving Doctor himself Tom Baker.

Paddy Kingsland at the Radiophonic Workshop

Patrick ‘Paddy’ Kingsland is a composer of electronic music best known for his incidental music for science fiction series on BBC radio and television whilst working at the BBC Radiophonic Workshop. He joined the BBC as a tape editor before moving on to become a studio manager for BBC Radio 1. In 1970 he joined the Radiophonic Workshop where he remained until 1981. His initial work was mostly signature tunes for BBC radio and TV programmes before going on to record incidental music for programmes including The Changes, two versions of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy: the second radio series and the TV adaptation, as well as several serials of Doctor Who. His work on the latter series included incidental music for the following serials: Meglos, Full Circle, State of Decay, Logopolis, Castrovalva, The Visitation, Mawdryn Undead and Frontios.

Other well known series which contained music composed by Paddy Kingsland are Around the World in 80 Days and Pole to Pole, both travel series by Michael Palin. Paddy Kingsland also composed music for many schools’ television series including Words and Pictures, Rat-a-tat-tat, Watch, Numbercrew, Storytime, English Express, Music Makers, Hotch Potch House and the Look and Read stories “Joe and the Sheep Rustlers” and “The Boy from Space”. Since leaving the BBC, composed music for the KPM music library, television, commercials and corporate videos. He also owns his own studio, PK Studios. He is currently composing the music for the CITV series “Blips” produced by Ragdoll Productions.

In 1973, Fourth Dimension, a compilation of his early signature tune work for the Radiophonic Workshop, was released and in 2002 his incidental scores for the Doctor Who serials “Meglos” and “Full Circle” featured as part of the Doctor Who at the BBC Radiophonic Workshop compilation series. Eight albums of his library music work have been issued by KPM.

Paddy Kingsland – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paddy_Kingsland

Paddy Kingsland and PSK Studios - http://www.pkstudios.co.uk/about.html

Listen to our interviews with BBC Radiophonic Workshop Composer Paddy Kingsland:

ATSM Episode 10 – The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Paddy Kingsland – Part I – Discussion with Tony/ Siobhan Gallichan

ATSM Episode 11 – The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Paddy Kingsland – Part II – Paddy Kingsland Interview Part I

ATSM Episode 12 – The Hitchhiker’s Guide to Paddy Kingsland – Part III – Paddy Kingsland Interview Part II

Peter Howell at the Radiophonic Workshop

Peter Howell is a musician and composer who worked at the BBC Radiophonic Workshop from 1974-1997 – shortly before the workshop disbanded. His musical career began in the 1960s where he played what is referred to as ‘psychedelic folk’ with groups ranging from Agincourt to others.  Beyond his contributions to Doctor Who, Howell’s prolific output includes scores for science fiction series, dramas, documentaries and children’s television including Horizon, The Body in Question and Michael Palin’s Full Circle. 

Peter Howell began his work on Doctor Who began in 1975 with an uncredited contribution to Revenge of the Cybermen. Carey Blyton composed the incidental music for this serial, but producer Philip Hinchcliffe asked the BBC Radiophonic Workshop to enhance the score, which was done by Peter Howell, adding synthesizer cues to Blyton’s score. Additionally he performed special sound design on Serial 4H – Story 81 – the Planet of Evil. Later, when John Nathan-Turner became producer of Doctor Who in 1980, he approached Peter Howell and the Radiophonic workshop to create a new arrangement of Ron Grainer’s Doctor Who theme as well as to provide incidental music, thus replacing Dudley Simpson who had been the longest-running composer on Doctor Who. In addition to his score to the Leisure Hive, Howell’s incidental music contribution spans the Tom Baker stories Warrior’s Gate, the Peter Davison stories Kinda, Snakedance, the Five Doctors, the Awakening and Planet of Fire as well as the Colin Baker story the Two Doctors – his final contribution to the series. Along with composer Paddy Kingsland, Howell also composed part of the for Meglos, as well as scoring the Doctor Who spinoff special K9 and Company and Jon Pertwee’s Radio Dramas The Paradise of Death and The Ghosts of N-Space. His music would also appear in the 1999 Steven Moffat Doctor Who spoof – the Curse of the Fatal Death – starring Rowan Atkinson as the Doctor.

Since his days at the BBC Radiophonic Workshop, Peter Howell is the founding Director of Sound Music Design Ltd, a company specializing in providing of music and sound design for the film, television and radio. In May of 2009, Howell participated  in a live concert revival of the Radiophonic Workshop at The Roundhouse in London. Additionally Howell teaches music and sound design at the National Film and Television School, as well as lectures at Bournemouth University’s Media Department, Leeds College of Music, and the Screen Academy Scotland where he has trained over 40 composers who now compose music for feature films, theatre, television and computer games.

Peter Howell – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Howell

Peter Howell's Blog – http://peter-howell.blogspot.com

Peter Howell’s website – http://www.peterhowell.plus.com/

Peter Howell’s early work – http://www.howell-ferdinando.co.uk/

Listen to our interviews with BBC Radiophonic Workshop Composer Peter Howell: 

ATSM Episode 18 – The Ever-Changing Musical Worlds of Peter Howell – Peter Howell Interview Part I

ATSM Episode 19 – The Ever-Changing Musical Worlds of Peter Howell – Peter Howell Interview Part II

Recordings Featuring BBC Radiophonic Workshop Composers Paddy Kingsland & Peter Howell:

Doctor Who – The Music (1983, Reissued by Silva Screen Records in 1992) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_Who_-_The_Music

Doctor Who – The Music II (1983, Reissued by Silva Screen Records in 1992) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_Who_-_The_Music_II

Doctor Who at the Radiophonic Workshop Volume 2: New Beginnings (2000) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_Who_at_the_BBC_Radiophonic_Workshop_Volume_2:_New_Beginnings1970%E2%80%931980

Doctor Who at the Radiophonic Workshop Volume 3: The Leisure Hive (2002) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_Who_at_the_BBC_Radiophonic_Workshop_Volume_3:_The_Lesiure_Hive

Doctor Who at the Radiophonic Workshop Volume 4: Meglos & Full Circle (2002) – http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_Who_at_the_BBC_Radiophonic_Workshop_Volume_4:_Meglos_%26_Full_Circle 

For more episodes & information on Adventures in Time, Space and Music, please visit us at http://atsm.phillipwserna.com/.

The E-Space Trilogy By @The_Knights87

Oh what can happen when you fly through a charged CVE.  Well you end up in E-Space that’s what.  What’s E- Space you say? Well E- Space is not a parallel universe but a universe existing alongside ours.  Well it just so happened that The Doctor, Romana and K-9 were aboard the TARDIS heading to Gallifrey when they flew through a charged CVE and ended up in E – Space. 

What is commonly called the E – Space Trilogy by fans of Classic Who consists of three very different stories that helped comprised season 18’s entropy themed season.  Full Circle, State of Decay and Warriors Gate are very cleverly written and also have some historical significance to the history of Doctor Who. 

Full Circle has the dubious distinction of being the story that introduces Adric.  That’s right.  That whiny companion who many people do not like at all myself included.  It takes place on the planet Alzarius.  There the Doctor and Romana arrive right when mistfall occurs and the rise of the Marshman from the planets marshes appear.

State of Decay is a true vampire story written by old Doctor Who stalwart Terrance Dicks.  It is an awesome story that pits the Doctor against the ultimate evil Vampires.  Or more accurately The Doctor must stop the Great Vampire.  The Great Vampire is an old enemy of the Timelords from the old days.  It is the sworn duty of any Timelord who happens upon The Great Vampire to kill it and prevent it from conquering the universe. 

Warriors Gate is the story that sees the departure of Romana and K- 9 from the TARDIS.  It is a pretty basic story that takes place entirely in the studio.  But what they do with it is quite amazing.  From the ship to the Gate itself this story boasts some impressive sets and what they did with the green screen shots for 1980 was pretty impressive. Most impressive is the world behind the mirror which has some pretty cool imagery which still stands up today.  It also boasts an anti-slavery message as Romana leaves in order to help release the Thralls from slavery. 

The E – Space Trilogy was something different and regarded by some as some pretty fine stories from season 18.  I enjoyed each of the stories that comprise the trilogy as each story brings something different and has its own little niche. The thing about the stories is that they could stand on their own without the linking aspect of E – Space. 

The E – Space trilogy has some wonderful moments and some good performances by the regular cast.  In fact you could say that Tom baker really shined in these stories and you can truly see how magical he was in the role of The Doctor. So I hope you join us for the next three Wednesdays as we revisit season 18’s E – Space Trilogy.