My Dalek life

The end

2009-06-24T21:25:00.005+01:00

Thanks to everyone who's visited my blog (and who will visit it), but as you can see there's been no updates for a very long time.

As such, this blog will now become an archive to the memory of this wonderful production.

You'll still be able to follow all the links to videos and photos that are on here, as I won't be removing the content.

And the winner is...

2008-11-16T20:27:00.003Z

Sadly, the nominations for the play remained as just that. Nick and James both missed out on Best Actor and the play failed to receive Best Amateur Production at this year's Guide Awards.

On a plus note though, James did scoop the award for directing the winning winning play in Best Amateur Production, so I wish him many congratulations.

The lines are closed and the votes are being counted...

2008-11-09T14:53:00.002Z

Tomorrow (Monday 10 November) sees The Awards take place at The Kings Theatre in Portsmouth. You can see the full details of the nominations in my previous blog entry. I'll be at the awards ceremony and will make sure that a full report is available here before the end of the week.

Nick Scovell (the Doctor) and James George (Mavic Chen) are both nominated in Best Actor and the play is also nominated for Best Amateur Drama Production.

I would also like to apologise that there haven't been any updates for the last few weeks, but I was unexpectedly taken ill and not able to add anything to the blog. I'm a lot better now and will make sure some new content is placed here shortly.

Daleks take control of the Spinnaker Tower!

2008-10-26T18:26:00.003Z

Just to let you know that there'll be a slight delay in getting the next selection of content up here as I was out as a Dalek at the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth today and this has delayed the new content slightly. More content will be available on Tuesday evening (UK time).

Dalek photos aplenty

2008-10-19T16:11:00.012+01:00

Dalek Spy has been scouring through the vast amount of photos taken by other members of the cast and crew. Here's a selection by Jonathan Andrews (JA), one of the delegates and a Science Dalek, taken during various rehearsals. There's also a couple by Stuart Currie (SC), builder and operator of the Supreme Dalek, taken on the stage before differnet shows.

I'm left behind while everyone else goes off for their tea break (JA)
Phil Cottrill (Governor Trantis) examines the new mini Dalek species (JA)
A close up of the beautiful home build of Stuart's Supreme Dalek (JA)
The Supreme Dalek discovers the TARDIS (SC)
The Time Destructor is prepared for its final operation by the Supreme Dalek (SC)

Click on an image for a larger version in a new window

Daleks, Daleks, Daleks!

2008-10-12T19:03:00.009+01:00

This week, Dalek Spy has unearthed photos taken during rehearsals that originally couldn't be released as they featured not only the new colour scheme of the Daleks but also the secret weapon... Stuart Currie's magnificent Supreme Dalek. This amazing and fully realistic recreation of Dalek Sec even had a middle section that could revolve.

James George (Mavic Chen) faces down the Supreme Dalek
Nick Scovell (the Doctor) and Phil Cottrill (Governor Trantis) don't realise that the Supreme Dalek is still alive
Stuart Currie (Supreme Dalek builder and operator) talks with Nick Scovell and Rob Thrush (Producer)
The four main Daleks - two standard, the red Commander and the black Supreme - the two Science Daleks were still being built
The Hammersmith Hardmen! The Dalek Commander and Supreme Dalek confer

Click on an image for a larger version in a new window

From the video vaults

2008-10-05T18:45:00.006+01:00

This week's delights from the archives both feature everyone hard at work during rehearsals.

First off is a video that shows the Daleks at their very first rehearsal from 10 October 2007. This was the first time that we'd had chance to see Ashley's new colour scheme for his Daleks that had previously appeared in the production of "Evil" in 2006. As you can see, Nick Scovell was ahead of Russell T Davies by having a red Dalek in the play months before the TV counterpart was seen!

The second video is an edited version of the final rehearsal of Act One, filmed at the New Theatre Royal by Stuart Currie (the Supreme Dalek himself) on 23 October 2007. This does have some of the music and sound cues on it, although the explosions were small compared to what was used for real.

On a technical note, these videos are now hosted by YouTube, as opposed to Photobucket as with all previous ones. This is mainly due to the fact that I can upload longer videos, although the quality does drop slightly.

The Daleks in their first rehearsal - will open in a new window

Final rehearsal of Act One - will open in a new window

The Daleks speak out!

2008-09-27T20:12:00.008+01:00

After a long delay, and I apologise for that, I'm proud to announce that new content will be added to this blog. I'll aim to do this once a week, normally at the weekend so that it's available by Sunday evening (UK time).

It's also a return for Dalek Spy! Here's an interview with Nick Briggs, who was the voice of all the Daleks, filmed on the stage of the New Theatre Royal shortly before the performance on 26 October 2007.

Exclusive interview with Nick Briggs (voice of the Daleks) - will open in a new window

New exclusive content coming this week

2008-09-23T00:10:00.002+01:00

Just to let you know that two new exclusive video interviews will be available here on Sunday 28 September. Nick Briggs talks about Daleks and Nick Scovell talks about being the Doctor.

Actors and play nominated for prestigious awards

2008-09-22T23:06:00.003+01:00

The Dalek Masterplan is up for two awards.

The daily paper for the Portsmouth area, The News, has included the play and two of its actors among the nominations this year for its prestigious awards that recognise and celebrate the local arts scene.

Nick Scovell (the Doctor) and James George (Mavic Chen) are each nominated in the Best Actor category, while the play itself is among those in the Best Amateur Drama Production section.

The closing date for votes is Friday 10 October and the winners will be announced at the awards ceremony to be held at the Kings Theatre in Southsea on Monday 10 November.

Vote online here, there are other categories but you don't have to vote in all of them.

I'll keep you posted once the winners are announced.

Character posters now available

2007-11-25T01:34:00.003Z

For those who were lucky enough to be able to come along to the play, you would have seen some lovely character posters (about A2 size) outside the theatre and others by the entrance to the Dress Circle.

Along with the poster for the play, beautiful as it is I was not involved with this, I thought it would be great to have twelve posters (one for each of the principal cast) showcasing the characters along with a quote of theirs. I quickly knocked up some very rough examples and ran them past Nick Scovell and Rob Thrush. Both of them thought this a great idea and said they would love this. Both Nick and myself did agree though that it would be best to not have one for the Supreme Dalek as this was the big surprise for Act Two.

It was then that I realised that I had about three weeks to produce 11 posters! The main design was simple and was the same across all the posters for consistency. What would take the time was getting photos of each memebr of the cast, and the Daleks, that I could then play with to create the posters.

I am very grateful to Jon Andrews who kindly took all the photos and gave me such great images to start with. In the tradition of Doctor Who, I used CSO! Each person was photographed against a green background so I could key out this colour to make it easier to drop them into the poster template. Although this gave me a problem with the Daleks as the green reflected on their domes. After speaking to Anthony Dry (who did the design for our cast and crew t-shirts) he said that it's best to do Daleks against white. At least I know for another day!

All the photos were taken during the breaks at rehearsals and then Jon would give me a copy of the images the next time. Each week I was doing about three posters and then having to get the final sign-off from Nick, while still learning my lines!

There is a logical flow as well to the posters with regards to the colours that I used. Starting with the Doctor all the heroes use shades of blue and green, while the villains cross to yellows, oranges and reds ending up with the Dalek Commander.

Eventually, with about a week to spare, I finished the last couple and passed them to Rob as he was going to get a set printed. When they were and I saw them up in the theatre, I thought they were fantastic.

Now you've got the chance to get your hands on your own copies! Each image was originally created at an A4 size of 300dpi in CMYK ready for printing, although these are low-res versions under 1Mb each as the originals are each about 8Mb.

Heroes

The Doctor
Marc Cory
Katarina Taylor
Bret Vyon
Steven Taylor
Sara Kingdom

Click on an image for a larger version in a new window

Villains

Governor Zephon
Governor Trantis
Mavic Chen
The Daleks
Dalek Commander

Click on an image for a larger version in a new window

Extermination testing

2007-11-13T12:38:00.001Z

Stuart Currie, the man behind (and inside!) the Supreme Dalek has posted a short video of him testing the extermination effect using a nearly empty extinguisher, at the theatre before rehearsals. The video also features the Supreme doing a beautiful middle section move as well.

Supreme Dalek test: YouTube - will open in a new window

Dalek Links site - reviews, photos and music

2007-11-10T20:46:00.000Z

The Dalek Links has recently been updated by Peter Labrow, one of the mini-convention guests, with loads of stuuf. Use the links below to get access to a review of the play, mini-convention, photos and a special mix of Martin Johnson's score from the play.

Review of The Dalek Masterplan - will open in a new window
Review of the mini-convention - will open in a new window
Photo gallery - will open in a new window
Mix of Martin's music - will open in a new window

P A R T ... Y? 'cause I gotta!

2007-11-01T22:55:00.001Z

The alcohol flowed, as did the laughter and also the sadness. This was the final end, when we all celebrated the success of the show.

Gathering in the bar first and then turning the Dress Circle into a private area, we waited to hear how well the play had been received. Could it break the records set by last year's production? Simply put, yes it did. Every ticket, for every performance sold in advance of the show opening - as was the mini-convention.

Nick Scovell was presented with a copy of the huge show poster, signed by all the cast and crew and also a host of 60s Doctor Who people, as a thank you for all his efforts with the play. He made a lovely speech where he thanked everyone for all their hard work over the months.

I sat and chatted with many of the cast and crew while we watched the set being broken up on the stage. There was a certain sadness as each part was knocked down and removed, until nothing more than the sweepings remained in the centre of the stage.

Laura Ford (Sara Kingdom) and Jon Andrews (Ensemble / Delegate / Science Dalek) both had people signing their cast t-shirts as a momento, I'd settled with getting a programme signed.

Helen Stoddard (Katarina Taylor) celebrated her birthday and was surprised with a cake, complete with candles.

David Bickerstaff (Marc Cory) was wickedly funny with his jokes and impersonations that evening, and kept quite a few of us in stiches. Although he did have a surprise, maybe even shock, when he found something out about me!

I left at 2am (that's British Summer Time, as the clocks were about to change) to make the short walk home, tired and a little sad but mostly very proud and happy that I had been involved in something so special.

There will still be updates for this blog over the next month, if not two, as I receive copies of videos and photos from the cast and crew. This will also include the exclusive interviews with Nick Scovell and Nick Briggs. In the meantime, I'm off for a well-deserved rest for a week but don't forget to check back shortly.

Dalek Spy was able to blag entrance into the party and took a couple of snaps.

Rob Thrush (Producer) presents Nick Scovell with a giant signed poster
A final end... all that remained of the set after the knock down, swept into the middle of the stage

Click on an image for a larger version in a new window

It's the end, but the moment has been prepared for...

2007-10-31T21:32:00.001Z

So this was it, Saturday evening (October 27) and the final performance.

It was a very strange feeling backstage, not just because this was the last show, but also it was the end of an era. Some of the cast and crew had worked on Nick Scovell's stage adaptations since "The Web Of Fear" back in 2000. For them it was definately the final chapter in the book. For others, like myself who had only been in this play, it was still sad that all those months of hard work and the final week of rehearsals of then the shows had come to an end.

With a heavy heart, as the music thundered round the theatre, I walked onto the stage for the last time. It was strange, doing what I'd done four times before but knowing that this was the last time. The performance just flew by, rushing off stage to get changed and then into my Dalek and back on amid the smoke. Before I knew it the Doctor had saved the Universe, been forced to regenerate and we were taking our bows.

Then it was all over.

Dalek Spy was still snapping away at the last show for you...

Lorna Bailey (Dalek Commander) with the Science Daleks, talks to a member of the audience

Click on the image for a larger version in a new window

All good things...

2007-10-29T17:31:00.002Z

As they say, all good things must come to an end and this was the last day that we would be performing the play. With just two performances left everyone was still buzzing, but there was a certain sadness starting to creep through.

There was a tight turn around after the mini-convention to make sure that everything was all set for the matinee. In fact I had about 30 minutes or so to have something to eat, change and get ready.

The performance went wonderfully well, as always, and there were plenty of laughs where we wanted them and yet again Stuart Currie's Supreme Dalek received a huge round of applause when it entered, let alone the gasps of delight as the middle section spun round at the end.

It took just as long to get through everyone who wanted to come onto the stage at the end, but time was even more tight as we needed to prep for our final ever performance...

Sneaking into the dressing rooms before the matinee, Dalek Spy was able to snap the following before being thrown out.

Phil Cottrill (Governor Trantis) shows just hypnotic he can be!

Click on the image for a larger version in a new window

Return Of The Daleks

2007-10-29T00:31:00.003Z

Saturday (October 27) saw a two hour mini-convention called "Return Of The Daleks", which I was responsible for organising and running, along with tons of help from Producer Rob Thrush and Stage Manager Dave Tozer.

This took place before the matinee performance and involved me getting together our guests and ensuring that the whole event ran smoothly. I do believe that I managed this rather well, if the very kind comments from people both on the day and over on the Outpost Gallifrey Forum (see the link to the right) are anything to go by.

The MC for the event was noted Who historian David J Howe and our guests were:

Nick Scovell - our old Doctor and the man behind the play
Rob Thrush - the show's producer
Peter Labrow - from Dalek Links website (see the link to the right)
Rob Shearman - writer of 2005's TV episode "Dalek" and some of the Big Finish stories
Barnaby Edwards - principal Dalek operator in the current series
Nick Briggs - our new Doctor and Dalek voices for both the play, the TV series and Big Finish
Terry Molloy - Davros throughout the 1980s on TV and now for Big Finish

While waiting back stage with Rob and Barnaby before they went on, we chatted away and I heard stories that would make your hair curl!

It was a really great event and at the end we not only had chance for a Q&A time from the floor, but also a charity auction in aid of the hospice where David Tennant's mother worked and was cared for before her death. We had various items, including a signed photo of Jon Pertwee, props from the play and items signed by members of the original TV series. Our star item was a giant poster for the play signed by all the cast and crew along with cast and crew from 1960s Who, which went for £300! Once I have the final figure of how much was raised, I'll let you all know.

At the end we had time to let the 400 or so people attending (which was a sell out itself) chance to come down and get autographs of our guests. Everything ran very smmothly and stayed nicely on schedule, although the autograph time was a little pushed as we needed enough time afterwards to set the stage for the matinee. However, everyone went away happy and with their items signed.

Thank you to our guests for giving up their their time to help us, to everyone who came along and enjoyed it and to the cast, crew and theatre staff who helped.

Oh, my biggest fanboy moment happened after I met our guests at the hotel. Barnaby and Rob walked round to the theatre, but I got a lift with Terry. How cool - me in a car with Davros! I did (sadly) say this to him and was treated to his Davros voice. Thanks Terry, you made an old fan very happy with that!

Dalek Spy has got both video and photo treats for you from the event. First up is the opening title sequence for the mini-convention, with music by Martin Johnson, and then there's some pictures.

Return Of The Daleks opening title sequence - will open in a new window

There's also some photos for you to look at as well - who says I don't treat you?

Backstage with (left to right) Nick Scovell, Terry Molloy, Rob Shearman and Peter Labrow
On stage with (left to right) David J Howe, Nick Briggs, Rob Shearman, Barnaby Edwards, Peter Labrow and Nick Scovell
Autograph time with (top to bottom) Terry Molloy, Barnaby Edwards, Nick Briggs, Rob Shearman, Peter Labrow and Nick Scovell

Click on an image for a larger version in a new window

Third time lucky!

2007-10-28T23:00:00.001Z

Friday (October 26) was a manic day to say the least!

I arrived at the theatre early afternoon to drop off my stuff and then went to meet Peter Labrow and Martin, a friend of his. Peter was one of guests who would be at Saturday's mini-convention and I wanted chance to meet him and have a chat before the madness of Staurday. We all spent an enjoyable hour or so chatting away, with Peter recounting some very good stories. Sadly out time was cut short when I had a call from the hotel where some of the otehr guests were staying at. Rob Shearman, writer of 2005's "Dalek" episode had arrived and there was a bit of a mix up. Thankfully the hotel is close to the theatre so I went round there to sort it all out. On my way back I bumped into Rob, who had just popped out to the Co-op! I apologised for the mix up and we both went in to theatre and I showed round a bit and he had chance to kindly sign some CD and DVD inlays for me.

It was then time to get ready for that evening's show and this time I was determined that when the Doctor extracted my DNA we would use a combintaion of the effects from the previous two shows. As it's now happened I can talk about it all! On the first night I shuddered and swung my dome, the second night we had a head that came apart just below the dome and lifed up. Third nightwe hit it right! As the Doctor uses his Sonic Screwdriver to open me up, there is a sound effect as well. Using this as my cue I shuddered, turned my ears on and then swung my dome to the right. As the Doctor walked over I then lifted the head up so he could reach inside to remove the Dalek's DNA. When he was done, the Doctor then taps the dome, making the head go down, the dome wing back and the ears turn off. Perfection! According to Ashley Nealfuller, who built the Dalek and the special head, this worked the best so we kept it this was for Saturday's two performances as well.

After the show, I noticed Barnaby Edwards lurking in the crowd. He'd arrived at the hotel earlier and had popped along after the show to see us. I got him up on stage to meet Stuart Currie, who not only built the Supreme Dalek but was also inside operating it as well. Barnaby was very impressed with Stuart's work, which was all done in his garage in spare evenings and weekends. In fact, I think that Barnaby may ven have wanted to take it away and show how someone had managed to build a rotating middle section for real!

After we had cleared the theatre, a lot of us went to the bar for a well needed drink. I spent a very enjoyable hour or so chatting with James George (Mavic Chen) and Rob Shearman, who had also come along after the preformance. Rob is a great guy and it's so easy to get caught up in conversation with him and to listen to his fascinating insights into Doctor Who.

The best thing about this performance was that a friend's 13 year old daughter who, thanks to NuWho is now a big fan of all Doctor Who, was coming along. For the last near year that I've know about the play and been working on it, I'd kept it all secret from her. I had said that we'd go along and see it and got the tickets. On the day I called her and said I couldn't make it, but her Dad had the tickets and would take her. She was certainly surprised when at the start of the play she saw me walk onto the stage. An even bigger shock was when her Dad told her that I was in a Dalek and pojted out which one. She enjoyed the show greatly and I am officially, "The best person in the whole world... ever!" I'd also like to thank all the cast and crew who kindly signed a programme for her, which she loves.

Dalek Spy was lurking about the stage and in the bar after the show to snap these treats for you.

People up on stage enjoy photos with the Daleks while Barry Thorpe (Scenic Operator) stands guard
Stuart Currie (Supreme Dalek builder and operator) with Barnaby Edwards (TV's Dalek opeartor)
In the bar afterwards - clockwise from far left is David Bickerstaff (Marc Cory), Nick Scovell (the old Doctor), Nick Briggs (Dalek voices and the new Doctor), Barnaby Edwards, Rob Shearman (TV and Big Finish author) and James George (Mavic Chen)

Click on an image for a larger version in a new window

++ ACCESS DENIED ++

2007-10-27T01:05:00.000+01:00

Just to let you all know that I haven't forgotten to keep you all up to date.

I've only just got back in after Friday's show and I'm now off to bed as I have a very full day of running the mini-convention and then being in two shows.

This means that the blog will not be updated until Sunday (October 28) at the earliest. Don't panic though! I promise you that when I next add what's been going on it will include Friday's show, the mini-con, both of Saturday's shows and the wrap party.

I'll start on Sunday and do some, then finish it off Monday. As previously promised there will also be new content, including photos and videos, being added over the next few weeks as well.

For those that have been and see the show - thank you very much and I hope you enjoyed it. If you're still to come to it... hold on, as it'll be the trip of a lifetime!

Let's do the Time Warp again...

2007-10-26T12:37:00.001+01:00

So, second night - was it any different? I think it's fair to say not really, just as manic and full of nerves.

Nick Scovell did warn us that it can dip a bit on the second night, owing to the fact that we've had the first performance and this can result in a slight drop off. However, I was just as nervous as before while we waited in the wings ready to go on. That's not a bad thing either, as it helped to keep my performance going. I was reading a text message from a friend, that arrived just as I walked on, during the crowd scene as well!

The dome trick was certainly done differently as well, thanks to the efforts of Ashley Nealfuller who built the Dalek. I would say more, but I don't want to give out any spoilers for those that haven't seen the show yet.

Later today (October 26) I'm going to be meeting one of the mini-convention guests, Peter Labrow from the Dalek Links website, to have a coffee and chat about things ahead of tomorrow's event.

Dalek Spy can reveal that Nick Briggs has kindly offered to be interviewed for this very blog. There will also be another interview with the creative force that is Nick Scovell, this time talking about his role as the Doctor. Both of these should hopefully be shot today and be online towards the end of next week... as they may contain spoilers!

A couple of photos for you taken after the show from the Dress Circle, sorry for the poor quality.

Martin Johnson (Composer) waves hello with Doug Inman (Scenic Operator), to his left, doing his security routine
Nick Briggs (Dalek voices) talks to a young fan

Click on an image for a larger version in a new window

What a magnificent opening!

2007-10-25T11:47:00.000+01:00

What can I say - we've done it!

Last night (October 24) was totally magical, as we performed to a packed house - even the standing room tickets had gone. We were told at about six o'clock that the four very last tickets ever, which were for Friday, had just been snapped up. So we know that every performance is now a total sell out.

For those that came / will be coming please enjoy the special cast posters that are outside the theatre's entrance and also inside upstairs. Each one show a character with a quote from the play. In the space of two weeks I created 11 of these and they look beautiful printed up. Once the show is over then I'll add copies here so you can see all of them.

The nerves did set in yesterday with me! I had a shaken up stomach and was sick once before I left for the theatre in the early afternoon. Nerves - I knew you'd get me in the end!

Getting ready, we all sat and chatted in the dressing rooms, with Nick Briggs coming out with some very funny stories to keep us amused.

It was very strange waiting backstage for the final call (five minutes before we first go on) and I just wanted to get out there. With just a minute before I walked on, I hit a calm zone which is what helped me go on and get through it all.

As far as I could tell, everything went very well last night - we'll find out tonight if there were any problems. I do know that I slightly fluffed a couple of bits as my Dalek. This wasn't helped by the fact that my gun, which is meant to do something special when it fires, suddenly wouldn't work correctly and this threw me a bit. Overall though, I was very happy with my performance.

I did err big style though, which made it difficult for me. At the point when the Doctor does something to me in Act Two I swung my dome round and had to stay still. Foolishly I swung to the left which meant my head was nearly squashed between the back of the dome and the arm inside that works the eye! Tonight, it'll go to the right as there's more room.

At half time, myself, Lorna and Liam sat out back with only our domes off and got some air... I had a mug of tea and a large cookie as well! We missed out on all the fun (if there could be any without us) in the dressing rooms.

After the show the stage was opened up, for a donation, for people to come onto and have a picture taken with the Daleks. The queue was very long, but it all went off smoothly. Finally, we all retired to the bar and sat there talking about Doctor Who in general. We did find out what all our first memories of the show were and Martin Johnson (the composer) won with the most recent - 1988's "Remembrance of the Daleks"! Grief, I was 18 then... made me feel old!

I got home before turning into a pumpkin at just before midnight. For some reason I then decided to heat up a chilli and eat that!

Well, here we go again tonight and I've got about 25 people from Portsmouth City Council that I know and work with coming to see it... no added pressure then!

Can you see me?

2007-10-24T00:45:00.001+01:00

I thought that you might like to know when to spot me on stage. Here's a few pointers as to when you'll see me. I can't tell you all of them, as it'll give certain plot details away.

Act One

Second person to walk onto the stage (not as a Dalek here!)
Second Dalek that enters when they first appear
Dalek that keeps the Doctor covered when he appears at our base
Last Dalek to exit towards the end

Act Two

Second Dalek that enters
Lone Dalek with Mavic Chen when he meets the Doctor on Kembel

It's the final countdown

2007-10-24T00:23:00.002+01:00

Another delayed start for our last rehearsal on Tuesday (October 23) unfortunately. We did manage a full technical run of both Act One and Act Two and didn't have to stop at any point, which was really good.

What didn't help was that as the Daleks were backstage ready for Act Two, we got told that our entrance was going to be different - but not what it was! It wasn't until we appeared and did what we had been doing that Nick Scovell ran over and told us the change. We were able to fit this in without any disruption to what was happening at that point.

I'll have to go in extra early tomorrow as there as some adjustments to my Dalek, for plot reasons, that still have to be made and then tested.

Curtain up (although the New Theatre Royal doesn't actually have a curtain!) is 7.30pm, so everyone must be there by no later than 6.30pm.

This is it - it's real and it's happening!

Time for another interview, this time with the composer of the score - Martin Johnson. Please note that this was filmed in low-light conditions and at the moment this is the best quality I can get. I will attempt to get a clearer version online as soon as I can.

Exclusive interview with Martin Johnson (Composer) - will open in a new window

Technically not a rehearsal...

2007-10-23T00:44:00.003+01:00

Monday (October 22) saw what was meant to be a full technical run through of the whole play... well, that's what had been planned at least.

Due to the amount of time needed to set the lighting cues for Act One, along with several other problems, all we had time for was a partial run of Act One instead. This will now put the pressure on us for Tuesday, which will be a full dress and technical run and the last chance we have to get it all right before we open on Wednesday.

A couple of things that certainly didn't help were the cloud of smoke that is used for the entrance of the Daleks and a visibility issue.

First off the smoke. All the Daleks sit backstage ready to come on and before the main door is opened to allow this a load of smoke is generated to help mask the fact that a door has opened - it's an impressive entrance to say the least. However, stuck in a confined waiting and sitting inside a Dalek, all that smoke has no where to go... except up inside the casing! So as we entered we were filled with smoke, which brings me onto the second problem.

To make it harder for people to look though the neck section and see the person inside, there is an outer layer of mesh and an inner layer of gauze, all black. In rehearsals, with no smoke and more lighting, it wasn't a problem to see where you were going. Suddenly we have to get onto the stage and hit our marks and we can hardly see a thing. The solution is to remove some of the inside gauze, although this does mean that it may now be possible for people to see us. Ashley Nealfuller, who has built these particular Daleks, is on the case and is working out a way to keep the gauze but have it as strips so it's harder to see in but easy to see out. Last thing we want is a Dalek falling off the stage! This is just one of the many jobs that Ashley has to do to get everything with the Daleks up to scratch before we open and I don't envy him one little bit.

Dalek Spy was able to sneak into the dressing room and snap a few of the props.

Something that's green and glows... can't be good
The front of a futuristic communications device
The inside display screen of the same device

Click on an image for a larger version in a new window

Time is counting down

2007-10-22T23:21:00.002+01:00

Sunday (October 21) saw us meeting at the Third Floor Arts Centre, above the central library, for a full run through of the play.

Present for the start of show week was Nick Briggs, who is supplying the Dalek voices. I think that by having him there it was starting to make it all a bit more real and it dawned on me that this was it!

Exciting as this was, it was dampened a bit by the fact that I'd quite ill the day before and might had to have missed this rehearsal. Thankfully I was feeling much better come Sunday morning and I performed most of the rehearsal domeless so I had a bit more air.

After we finished, while the Daleks were being wheeled down the street towards the theatre, I stayed behind and chatted to the two Nicks (Briggs and Scovell) - which was very enjoyable.

Dalek Spy is back from a short break with some photos taken from Sunday's rehearsal for you.

Some of the cast and crew
Some more of the cast and crew
Nick Briggs (Dalek voices) in full rant mode, on the right, with Bruce Holman (Deputy Stage Manager)

Click on an image for a larger version in a new window

We must act now... part 2

2007-10-21T22:33:00.000+01:00

Last Friday's rehearsal (October 19) was where we had two complete runs at the second act and it's all fitted together very nicely.

On a side note, during the week it had been James Adamson's (Steven Taylor) birthday and to celebrate he brought along the Tenth Doctor / TARDIS cake to be shared out. Needless to say, they was some discussion over who would be eating which bit of Mr Tennant! I settles for his face, while someone else (who will remain nameless) opted for the groin!

James, as I mentioned before, has stepped in very late in the day to take over the part of Steven. I'd just like to say that in the last two weeks he's been with us, he's done exceptionally well to learn the script and bring a polished performance.

Sunday (October 21) sees the final rehearsal before we hit the theatre for dress and technical runs. It'll also be when Nick Briggs joins us to bring his necessary vocal talents.

LINKing the play... part 2

2007-10-21T22:17:00.002+01:00

Recently I told you about an item run in the staff magazine for Portsmouth City Council (see LINKing the play... part 1) where there was a brief interview with me and the chance to win two tickets to the play.

The closing date was this week and after we sifted through the enteries to make sure that they all had the correct answers, the draw took place. We were assisted by two Daleks for this event.

You can see the Daleks picking the winner, click on the image for a larger version in a new window.

We must act now... part 1

2007-10-16T23:13:00.005+01:00

So that's Act One fully polished off now and Friday (October 19) will see us having two full runs at Act Two. We then get Saturday off before moving to a secret location in the centre of Portsmouth (not the theatre) for a full run on Sunday.

Apart from missing my mark at one point (oops) and mis-flashing (double oops) it all went very well.

When are these nerves meant to start? I've got a feeling that I'm going to wake up in a cold sweat on Wednesday morning (October 24) - the day we open...

First off, the previously available interview with Stuart Currie that was online and then removed owing to technical problems is back! The easiest way to solve the problems was to reshoot it, so here it is:

Exclusive interview with Stuart Currie (Dalek builder) Part 1 - will open in a new window
Exclusive interview with Stuart Currie (Dalek builder) Part 2 - will open in a new window

There's also some photos for you to look at as well - who says I don't treat you?

A very important piece of paper with drawings on it, but what is it?
Anthony Dry's excellent design for the cast and crew t-shirts, based on the old Target book covers by Chris Achilleos

Click on an image for a larger version in a new window

From the pen of Nick Scovell...

2007-10-16T01:18:00.001+01:00

Nick Scovell has recently added some thoughts on the production of the play over at the Dalek Links site, which you can find using the following link. It also features photos as supplied by Dalek Spy.

So it begins... - will open in a new window

You can also read a bit more about the play at the site here:

Going behind the scenes for The Dalek Masterplan - will open in a new window

Less than two weeks to go

2007-10-13T16:09:00.000+01:00

Yesterday's rehearsal (October 12) went very well.

We had a complete run of the entire play and it's really pulling together now. It was also the first time that the scenic operators had chance to be with us, so they could be blocked in around the action taking place.

This has meant a few tweaks for the actors, including one entrance for the Daleks. Instead of moving to the front of the stage from different parts of the stage, we move together first. Now this may seem like a little thing, but it can throw you out when for the last six weeks you've been ensuring that you keep your mind focused on what's been decided.

Next week sees the final set on rehearsals at our secret location before we have the dress and technical runs at the theatre. I'm still not nervous and I don't know if this is a good thing or not... time will tell.

All change

2007-10-08T23:51:00.001+01:00

It was all a little hectic tonight as word reached us that John-Paul McCrohon who was playing Steven Taylor will not be able to be involved anymore due to personal reasons. Stepping into the breach at the last minute is James Adamson, so he was given a whirlwind introduction and we then ploughed into the end of Act Two followed by the entrance of the Daleks in Act One and finished with the very beginning of the play. Talk about jumping around!

We also welcomed other new people who will be used in the crowd scene at the start and will be swelling the numbers of the delegates later on.

With just over two weeks until we open, it's all starting to come together very nicely. My nerves still haven't set in... yet.

Due to technical difficulties with the interview, I've removed the links and it will be online again next week.

You can now find the interview on the October 16 post "We must act now... part 1".

Even more lines to learn!

2007-10-07T15:24:00.002+01:00

Now this may sound like a complaint, but I can promise you that it isn't (doesn't even sound convincing)!

Thanks to some changes during Act One, not only do I now have to jig about a lot more but I've got even more lines to learn! All this with less than three weeks to go - panic has yet to arrive but I'm sure it will very soon.

Due to the fact that Alfred need some repair work during the week, both my gun and sucker were missing for rehearsals. This was a boon to the extent that I got more air inside the casing and it wasn't as hot. It also allowed me to take some photos thorugh my holes... as so to speak.

Vitally secret snappings this time round, including one taken while I was fully encased:

Laura Ford (Sara Kingdom) taken through the sucker port
Very English - a table full of tea making equipment...
...and lots of sweet things to keep me hyper

Click on an image for a larger version in a new window

More tickets available

2007-10-06T20:55:00.000+01:00

The good news is that there's now more tickets available for each performance. Owing to a switch round of where the theatre has their sound desk, extra seats have been made available.

So if you haven't got a ticket yet, now's your chance... inlcuding for the last night.

LINKing the play... part 1

2007-10-03T18:14:00.002+01:00

When I'm not busy being a Dalek, I work as the Website & e-Communications Officer for Portsmouth City Council. A while back I published an article on our Intranet which caused a run on tickets (see Tickets selling out... from June 7).

The lastest issue of our staff magazine, LINK, has just been published and the back page is devoted to an interview with me about being a Dalek in the play. We've also run this issue's competition to tie in with the play by offering a pair of free tickets to the winner.

Our graphic designer used the Daleks from the play's poster and has added them to the outside of the New Theatre Royal.

You can see the Dalek article from LINK by clicking on the image for a larger version in a new window.

You can find out about the drawing of the winner at LINKing the play... part 2.

A new month... at last

2007-10-02T16:30:00.002+01:00

Yesterday was the start of not only a new month, but also the start of the countdown towards opening night on the 24th.

After completing the end of Block 6 we had a run through of Act One. Actually, it was done several times as it was split into sections and each section was run twice. As I've already mentioned this was harder as we couldn't rely on our scripts. I was just glad that my Dalek can have a small fan fitted inside to keep me cool and that there's room for a bottle of water. The last few weeks I've been in the base only but I was fully encased this week and will continue to be so from now on.

The highlight of the evening, for me at least, was getting exterminated by a Dalek. I'd like to tell you more but you know how much I've got to keep secret!

I'll make you all a firm promise that once the play has had its run then I will post more photos and videos from rehearsals that I'm not at liberty to do so at the moment.

Just the one image this time round, Nick Scovell (the Doctor) survives after Phil Cottrill (Governor Trantis) has been exterminated.

Click on the image for a larger version in a new window

Act Two nearly finished

2007-09-30T13:06:00.002+01:00

Friday (September 28) saw us hurtling towards the end of both Act Two and the play. However, owing to the technicalities of blocking the Daleks in for a major sequence (which I can't discuss, sorry!) meant that this will have to picked up at tomorrow's rehearsal (October 1). There was much discussion on certain aspects of how to achieve maximum drama and impact from the action and contributions were welcome from everyone. Of course, I put my comments in!

Once we've finished Block 6, we'll be giving the whole of Act One a run through and from now on scripts are not allowed, eek!

This is where it get serious and all the larking around that we have been doing to help make rehearsals fun has to be turned down while the professionalism is turned up.

As a surprise this time, Stuart Currie (one of the Dalek builders) turned up with his two Daleks, Dylan and Dougal, for use at rehearsal. This was due to technical reasons.

Sadly for Dalek Spy, Block 6 has now arrived so it's the last time for three little words. However, there is a photo of Dylan visiting us and next week there should also be an exclusive video interview with Stuart Currie.

target
ashes
lunatic

Click on the image for a larger version in a new window

Last chance to see...

2007-09-28T23:07:00.000+01:00

Ticket sales have now hit over 2000, with over 200 going in the last week!

This means that with less than four weeks until we open and the 'on the door' sales, there should be a total sell out, just like last year's play.

So if you haven't got your tickets yet you'd better hurry up.

My end is in sight!

2007-09-25T12:28:00.005+01:00

Owing to the rather interesting mix of Blocks 4 and 5 last time, we did the same yesterday (September 24) to make sure that the rehearsal schedule was kept to. This means that we are now only one more session away from completing a total run trough of the play.

Friday (September 28) will see Block 6 given the full treatment. This will also be the last time that any of us will be allowed to have scripts with us as well.

I've also been promoted in a way... I'm still playing Dalek Two, but as the operator for Dalek One was unavailable last night it was decided that when a sole Dalek is required during part of Act Two that I should take role. What this does mean, apart from having to learn more of the script, is that I'll need to switch Daleks now as there is something rather special about the other casing.

So farewell Groucho and hello Alfred. Alfred is a more solid construction (again by Ashley Nealfuller) as he's made mostly from wood as opposed to fibreglass. Just as I've got used to swinging around in a nice light casing, now I'll really have to put some extra effort into it as Alfred is a lot heavier!

As Block 5 has now gone into rehearsal, Dalek Spy has an exclusive video interview with the Director Nick Scovell. Owing to the length of the video and its hosting, it's been split into three parts.

Exclusive interview with Nick Scovell (Director) Part 1 - will open in a new window
Exclusive interview with Nick Scovell (Director) Part 2 - will open in a new window
Exclusive interview with Nick Scovell (Director) Part 3 - will open in a new window

UPDATE: The audio sync problem seems to be vastly improved now that I've re-edited the interview into three files as opposed to the original two.

200 not out!

2007-09-24T12:39:00.000+01:00

Just to say a big THANK YOU to everyone that has taken an interest in my blog about the play. This weekend it has now had over 200 people come and read it.

Please continue to come back on a regular basis and enjoy all the exclusive info and gossip of what's been going on - especially as the video interviews have now launched. Rehearsal updates are normally published by Saturday and Tuesday evenings (UK time).

Once again, thanks.

On with the motley...

2007-09-22T14:43:00.005+01:00

Well I was wrong! Last night (September 21) didn't see us having another run at Block 3. Instead we went straight into Block 4, which is the start of Act Two! Owing to one of the principals being rather ill some of Block 4 was dropped back until next week and we went on into Block 5. It's all coming together now, I can tell you.

There was a major surprise, but if I tell you then I'd not only have to kill you but also kill myself, for us as well. You're in for a treat!

Dalek Spy has got three major bits of behind the scenes news for you this time round. There's three little words from Block 4, an exclusive video interview with James George (who's playing Mavic Chen) and a couple of photos, so sit down, relax and enjoy!

treachery
hostile
colonised

Exclusive interview with James George (Mavic Chen) - will open in a new window

Nick Scovell (the Doctor), Tim Skedge (Bret Vyon) and Laura Ford (Sara Kingdom)
Part of a Dalek

Click on an image for a larger version in a new window

Video interviews coming...

2007-09-20T22:22:00.001+01:00

Dalek Spy is proud to announce that as part of its mission to bring you exclusive behind the scenes material it will be recording special video interviews with some of the cast and crew.

There's already been a few video sneak peeks posted, but these will be delving further into the production side.

The first interviewee will be James George, who plays Mavic Chen. This will be recorded this week and be available this weekend - probably September 23. Future interviews will hopefully include:

Nick Scovell, as the director and script adaptation and a second one discussing his fourth outing as the Doctor
Martin Johnson, composer
Stuart Currie and Ashley Nealfuller, Dalek builders

So don't forget to check back and catch up with what's going on.

Act One nearly complete

2007-09-18T19:09:00.002+01:00

Block 3 started yesterday (September 17) and it also saw us finish Act One. There was minimal work necessary for the Daleks this time, so I had chance to sit back and watch what was going on.

After last week and the difficulty of trying to amend a script while fully encased I performed topless... just using the base of the Dalek in other words! I was whizzing around like some demented Davros and having a lot of fun.

Although there was a lot of stopping and starting to make sure that this set of scenes worked, we did manage to not only finish this Block but have a complete run through as well. This will bode well for Friday's rehearsal as it means we can have a clear stab at possibly the whole of Act One.

There was a lengthy, if slightly innuendo laden, conversation about being blown or sucked... in the end an amend was made to the script to resolve this rather tricky area of physics! I was also able to offer some input as well. At one point it's necessary for one of the characters to explain which communications channel to use. Some discussion was held on this and I suggested "theta", as in Theta Sigma the Doctor's nickname that was revealed in The Armageddon Factor. Thanks to Nick for allowing me that one.

Here's three little words from Block 3:

geologist
surge
theta - mentioned above, but if I gave you another one it would be four words!

More chance for photos this time round as well:

John-Paul McCrohon (Steven Taylor) and Helen Stoddart (Katarina Taylor) show how to take it easy while acting
Nick Scovell (The Doctor) takes special interest in his pen… or is it?
Laura Ford (Sara Kingdom) receives her orders
James George (Mavic Chen) gives those orders
David Bickerstaff (Marc Cory) gets to grips with Katarina

Click on an image for a larger version in a new window

Block 2 now complete

2007-09-15T14:52:00.002+01:00

With Block 2 now completed in rehearsals, of which there were only a couple of pages to finish off, we had a full run of everything to date so far last night (September 14). We're now nearing the end of Act One and it's polishing up very nicely indeed.

To make it easier during the final part of the Block 2 material for me to amend my script I performed with only two thirds of my costume - just the skirt and shoulders. This was much better than trying to not only hear what changes were being made but write in a cramped space as well.

After quite a few times inside a Dalek, one thing I do know is that it does get very hot. What I have done (see the photo below) is to get myself a small clip-on fan that is then attached to the inside and which I can turn on and off as necessary. Not only that, but I've also found space for a small bottle of water. Groucho is now very much my home from home!

Three little words from Block 2:

murderous
arrogance
guilty

It's getting more difficult to get photos as I'm in more and more scenes at the moment, but here's some special ones...

The relative comfort of inside a Dalek - note the bottle of water and clip-on fan!
Part of a Dalek
Essential footwear for a Dalek - my David Tennant red Converse trainers!

Click on an image for a larger version in a new window

Welcome to my unconventional conventionalists

2007-09-12T12:39:00.001+01:00

As with last year's production, this year will see another mini-convention on the Saturday featuring (work commitments permitting) cast and crew from both the original and new Doctor Who.

Confirmed are:

Nick Briggs - voice of the Daleks (amongst others) in the current series
Barnaby Edwards - principal Dalek operator in the current series
David J Howe - historian and collector, who will be the MC for the event
Peter Labrow - webmaster of the Dalek Links site
Terry Molloy - Davros from 1984 to 1989 on TV and Big Finish audios
Rob Shearman - writer of the 2005 episode "Dalek"

This is a fantastic mix of guests, which should provide a fascinating time for all those lucky enough to be coming along.

What's more, I have been asked to coordiante this event!

That means I'll be getting unrestricted access to all the guests (that's my autographs and photos shorted!) throughout the Saturday afternoon. My role will be to make sure that they get to the theatre, are looked after fully once there and to ensure that everything runs smoothly for them.

Who would have thought that from originally being a Dalek I would now have the second entrance at the start of the play, be responsible for the mini-convention and... well, that would be telling at the moment - just wait and see!

Enter... the Daleks!

2007-09-10T23:19:00.004+01:00

Today's rehearsal (September 10) saw the arrival of the Daleks! Three were brought along, the two main ones and the Dalek Commander, all of them built by Ashley Nealfuller.

The look and design of them is, at the moment, a closely guarded secret. So I'm sorry that currently I'm unable to post any of the lovely pictures and videos that were taken.

All of them are named after the Marx Brothers and mine is called Groucho. As always, it's a tight fit inside and very warm. However, I've discovered that there's room for a small bottle of water and also a mini sized battery fan - so hopefully I should be ok!

I know that I've been a Dalek before, using the ones that Stuart Currie has built at events, but there was something different this time... a magic quality you could almost say. This time I was a Dalek in Doctor Who!

Due to having to work with the Daleks we didn't get chance to finish all of Block Two so this will be picked up on Friday.

There's a couple of teaser photos today and one of me half in costume.

Part of a Dalek, but what part?
Another part of one of the Daleks
Me being helped to get into Groucho

Click on an image for a larger version in a new window

Rehearsals start...

2007-09-09T16:26:00.003+01:00

Friday (September 7) was the first rehearsal for the play at a secret location in Portsmouth. This was a run through of Block One, which takes us up to the first appearance of the Doctor.

As extra people are needed at the start, for reasons that I can't say, then this is my chance to be seen out of costume (so to speak) as a Dalek. In fact, after David (who is playing Marc Cory) I'm the second person to appear. Excited doesn't even come close to it!

The rehearsal went very well, with lots of laughter and some serious brainstorming to make the scenes flow better. I hope that all the rehearsals will be as much fun as this and look forward to the next one, which will be covering Block Two... and the appearance of the Daleks.

In the tradition of "Production Notes" in "Doctor Who Magazine", Dalek Spy will also be slipping you a selection of words from the script to tease you with. Block One contains:

steam
evacuate
statues

Here's the photos...

Start of Act One, with me in a Hong Kong Phooey t-shirt
Nick Scovell (The Doctor) finds David Bickerstaff (Marc Cory) and Helen Stoddart (Katarina Taylor)
The Doctor checks on Katarina
Tim Skedge (Bret Vyon) confronts the Doctor

Click on an image for a larger version in a new window

Going, going, (nearly) gone

2007-09-06T23:11:00.001+01:00

Tickets are going fast, with somewhere in the region of 1600 in total now sold.

Most performances are now sold out, as is Saturday's mini-convention.

If you haven't got your ticket yet I strongly urge you to get in touch with the theatre, as this will be the last Doctor Who play that we will be able to stage.

Don't miss out!

All together now...

2007-09-05T12:55:00.003+01:00

This week (Monday, September 3) saw the majority of the cast and crew assemble for a full read through of the script before rehearsals start. This was held at the theatre and was a fun evening.

There were some surprise guests as well, including Nick Briggs (who will be voicing the Daleks) and Martin Johnson the composer - who allowed us to listen to the score for the first time, including his kick arse main theme!

Afterwards I chatted to Nick Briggs and found him to be a very decent and sociable guy, what's more he bought me a drink as well! Top bloke as far as I'm concerned.

Also there was Sturat Currie and Ashley Nealfuller who are responsible for building the Daleks. Ashley had some photos showing the design and colours... which are a secret at the moment.

An enjoyable evening that helped everyone get thogether ahead of the rehearsald proper that start on Friday (September 7).

Dalek Spy has got some tasty treats for you! First up is a short video showing Nick Briggs in full flow as the voice of the Daleks.

Nick Briggs voicing the Daleks - will open in a new window

Next up are three photos, these were taken on the stage and the lighting was the best so apologies for the quality.

Cast and crew, with Nick Briggs voicing the Daleks
Cast and crew
Nick Scovell provides direction

Click on an image for a larger version in a new window

Lights, camera, action!

2007-09-02T22:34:00.002+01:00

Yesterday (September 1) I found just how much time and effort is required to capture a small amount of filmed footage.

Parts of the play rely on the use of specially shot video footage that will be shown on a large screen at certain key moments. This was shot at the New Theatre Royal on the stage using the old Doctor Who favourite... CSO!

A large blue screen was erected to allow the actors to be filmed against a neutral background so that in post production this could be removed and replaced with the necessary special effects.

It was very interesting to watch as this was the first time that I had been on a proper shoot, let alone one involving effects work. What I didn't realise was that to get the 15 minutes or so required would take close on three hours. Even allowing for some multiple takes, the time was eaten away by constantly having to check and adjust the lighting levels for each section that was recorded. I can see why it takes nine moths to record a single season of Doctor Who!

Yes, Dalek Spy was also there and can give you exclusive access to some video footage showing Sara Kingdom (Laura Ford) and the Doctor (Nick Scovell) doing some blue screen work. The scene was recorded twice, once for sound with them screaming and a second time with the fan (as seen here) for interaction.

Sara Kingdom and the Doctor - will open in a new window

There's also some photos as well, please note that the quality is not great as they were taken inbetween the filming so there is a lot of wash out from the lighting.

Mavic Chen, played by James George
Bret Vyon, played by Tim Skedge
Sara Kingdom, played by Laura Ford
Mavic Chen and the Doctor, played by Nick Scovell, face off

Click on an image for a larger version in a new window

Dalek Spy is coming...

2007-08-28T12:07:00.000+01:00

Dalek Spy is coming to this blog shortly!

This is your chance to have a sneak peak at the rehearsals, as along with my comments and behind the scenes info about what's going on, Dalek Spy will showcase a special photo from each rehearsal and maybe even video clips...

Dalek Spy will start from next week at the script read through on 3 September. Rehearsals are being held twice a week and as I mentioned below, I'm going to be at all of them. That means plenty of material for Dalek Spy!

Never a moment to breathe

2007-08-23T19:53:00.000+01:00

I've just received a copy of the rehearsal schedule and it looks (for me at least) a nightmare!

As I mention below, there's a script read through soon - which is for everyone to attend - so we can all meet up again and make sure that everyone is comfortable with everything.

Now Nick, the one man production (playing the Doctor, he's also the director and has adapted the original scripts), has hit upon the great idea of splitting the script into six blocks. This is a good as it means that rehearsals will be targeted to specific scenes, so not all the cast have to get together at the same time until later on.

So I had a look at it and, obviously as it's about Daleks, I'm required for Blocks 2-6. "That's ok," I thought, "a bit more time to myself at the start." How wrong! I forgot that I'm also making an appearance at the start in the crowd scene sans Dalek. The upshot is that I'm also required for Block 1.

No rest for the wicked, I get the fun of attending every rehearsal from when we start in September. The bonus is that I will be able to sneak more behind the scenes information here onto my blog... and maybe even some photographs!

Music to your ears

2007-08-20T13:10:00.000+01:00

News has reached me that the final version of the music is nearly complete now.

Martin has been busy creating something that promises to be better than his work on last year's production of "Evil", which will be difficult seeing as how great that was - trust me.

I've heard an all too brief teaser of his new main theme and if it's anything to go by then it's gonna be an epic opening to the play to say the least. I hope to be able to hear all of it shortly as Martin has promised that he'll play it at one of the early rehersals.

You can visit Martin's site by using the link to the right.

Time and tide melt the snowman...

2007-08-13T22:40:00.000+01:00

August, now nearly half-way through, is a slow month as far as the play is concerned.

Nick is busy with all the finishing touches that are required and the rest of us just sit back and enjoy what is jokingly called the summer weather.

I suppose that I should really be reading the script and learning my non-lines. To explain that rather strange comment, I am playing Dalek Two in the play and yes there are lines to speak... but not by me! Dalek dialogue will be done live for each performance from the wings but I still have to know the lines so I can flash my lights in sync with the voice.

The difficult bit has been done though, I've been through the script and highlighted all the bits where I need to flash - as so to speak.

The next big event is the full read through of the script before we start the rehearsals. These begin in September and the read through will be happening on 3 September at a location that is sworn to secrecy.

I suppose that I should be enjoying the peace and quiet at the moment, 'cause it's goning to be a hectic September and a mental October.

Composer speaks out

2007-07-15T20:57:00.001+01:00

Martin Johnson, composer for the play, has been very busy recently.

Not only is he working hard on the score for the play, but he has also added two articles to the Dalek Links site:

Inside the music studio - will open in a new window
Making music for Masterplan - will open in a new window

As if that isn't enough, he's also busy rebuilding his own site and has added an "Easter egg" to the home page with a teaser of music from the play. Check out the link to the right and see if you can find the bonus!

Chance to meet the Daleks... and others - 7 July

2007-07-06T00:42:00.001+01:00

There's another chance to meet the Daleks in Portsmouth this Saturday (7 July) along with a Cyberman as well!

Castle Primary School, in Portchester, will be having their summer fete and the Daleks and Cybermen will also be attending. This event is between 11am and 2pm.

Come along and have fun, as well as having your photo with two of the Doctor's greatest enemies... if you dare!

You can find the school in Castle Street, Portchester, PO16 9QQ.

Rain didn't stop invasion plans UPDATE: 15 JULY

2007-06-17T15:20:00.000+01:00

Despite several attempts by the weather yesterday to curtail a Dalek invasion, it was still successful!

Merchistoun Hall's summer fete was a very enjoyable day, with two Daleks (Dylan and Dougal, built by Stuart) doing the honours to help promote the play. As well as yours truly, Stuart was also on hand to help bring the Daleks to life, along with the Doctor (Nick Scovell) and Rob Thrush, who was modelling a prototype for one of the costumes.

Apart from the two Daleks and Nick in costume, we also had a stand inside with posters and postcards for the play and a DVD which was showing clips from previous productions.

At the start of the day, the Doctor was on hand to make sure that the Daleks were beaten back in a special scene for the fete. Nick and Rob also did a question and answer session in the main arena.

All together, this was a wonderful day, hot inside a Dalek as always, and fantastic promotion for the play. Many thanks to the staff and volunteers at Merchistoun Hall for all their help.

UPDATE: 15 JULY

You can see a full write up from Nick about this event over at Dalek Links:

Daleks out and about - will open in a new window

Video footage and photos from the event:

Video of Nick Scovell and Rob Thrush (low-res) - will open in a new window

Dylan (at the front) and Dougal (behind) prepare to invade - I'm in Dougal at this point and can't get any further than the wodden boards that were laid down
Nick Scovell (The Doctor) disarms a Dalek
Dylan posing - with me inside
A child hugs Dylan - every one loves a Dalek!
Dylan posing again - with me inside
Rob Thrush models a prototype for a costume

Click on an image for a larger version in a new window.

Tickets selling out...

2007-06-07T20:23:00.000+01:00

Total ticket sales are now at nearly 900 and the Dress Circle on Saturday's matinee is completely sold out!

The Dress Circle sell out was caused by a news article that ran on the staff Intranet at Portsmouth City Council (now how did that get there...?) about the play, which meant that the theatre's box office was swamped yesterday.

At one point, they were receiving so many calls they had to get more staff to answer the phone!

Click on the image for a larger version in a new window

Daleks to appear at Summer fete

2007-05-24T22:06:00.000+01:00

Just to give you all a heads up that there will be an early publicity event for "The Dalek Masterplan" in a few weeks.

It takes place on Saturday, 16 June at Merchistoun Hall in Horndean at their Summer fete, which is planned to start at 12.00 noon and wind up about 4pm.

There there will be large publicity for the show there as a video screen is going to be set up showing clips from past Doctor Who shows staged, along with two Daleks that will go trundling.

Needless to say, I'll be helping out as one of the Daleks!

You can find Merchistoun Hall at 106 Portsmouth Road, Horndean, PO8 9LJ.

Just the ticket

2007-05-21T13:13:00.000+01:00

A word of warning - tickets are selling fast for the play on all performances, so make sure you get yours now!

Last year's staging of "Evil of the Daleks" was a sell-out triumph for every performance.

Sounds familiar...

2007-05-19T18:30:00.000+01:00

Martin Johnson did a fantastic job of the music for the last play, "Evil of the Daleks", and he's busy working on the music for this one.

As a taster to whet the appitite, he's released a teaser of the opening title music, which you can listen to here:

Listen to the teaser - will open in a new window

You can also read an interview with Martin about composing for the play:

Read the interview - will open in a new window

Trailers for the play

2007-05-18T08:26:00.000+01:00

There are now two trailers for "The Dalek Masterplan" available online:

Trailer 1 - will open in a new window
Trailer 2 - will open in a new window

Enjoy - and don't forget to book your tickets for the New Theatre Royal as they're selling out fast! You can use the link to the right.

Genesis of the Blog

2007-05-17T21:59:00.000+01:00

"Ah, welcome..."
"What's going on? Don't you realise how dangerous it is to intercept web browsing?"
"Oh come now, not with our techniques."
"I will not tolerate this continued interruption. What ever it is I won't do it, I refuse."
"DALEKS!"
"Daleks... tell me more."

Well, maybe that's not quite how it happened, but what am I doing here you ask me?

As you can see from my details to the right, I am a die-hard Doctor Who fan and have been for many years. Back in 2005 I was introduced to someone who builds Daleks in his spare time and uses them at various events. Stuart, for 'tis his name, is a member of the Dalek Builders' Guild, who all help each other with their builds.

2005 was also the mega-successful return of Doctor Who to out TV screens after way too long. As part of the merchandising of the franchise (my God, it's a franchise now!) an exhibition of props mostly from the new series was created on Brighton Pier. As part of the launch publicity, Stuart was invited along with one of his Daleks - in fact it was his main Dalek called Dylan (see the master head above).

I was invited by a friend of mine who knows Stuart along to the event and we hit it off. I even, after everything had finished, got inside Dylan and had a play. Despite being cramped I must admit that I did enjoy it, for all of the two minutes that I was in there.

Me (left) with the producer of Doctor Who, Phil Collinson (right) and Dylan (in the middle) at the publicity launch of the Brighton exhibition - May 12, 2005.

Click on the image for a larger version in a new window.

Later that year, I was responsible for helping to organise a stand at a recruitment fair. Can you see where this is going? Using the theme of 'Out of this world jobs', I managed to get Stuart to come along with Dylan. People could then come to our stall, have a photo taken with a Dalek, which was then printed onto a template with all the recruitment details. Needless to say, ours was a very popular stall. Even more so as Stuart also did some turns inside Dylan, trundling around and insulting people!

So the story continues. In early 2006, Stuart let me know that there would be a production of "Evil of the Daleks" at a local theatre. It was being organised by a gentleman by the name of Nick, who had been responsible for previously staging "The Web of Fear" and "Fury from the Deep", both of which had been very successful. Stuart wanted to know if I'd be interested in going, which was in hindsight a silly question!

In October 2006, Stuart was helping with promoting the play at the local shopping centre by appearing as Dylan, so I went down to support him. It was there that I met Nick, who I remembered had done a couple of the Big Finish Doctor Who audios. We got chatting, I wished him all the best for the show and said that I'd be there on the last night.

The end of October rolls round and I head off the to theatre and thoroughly enjoy seeing a 'lost' story that I've only ever seen the surviving episode and listened to the BBC CD of. As I was with Stuart, I came along to the after show party and talked to several of the cast and crew, including Nick - who had played the Doctor. Being a sad fan boy I think I gushed just a little too much, but he was very kind and thanked me for my praise.

As a result of the success of the Daleks in the shopping centre they were asked back for the Christmas lights switch on - not to do them, but to be about as a draw. I'd asked Stuart if I could have a go as Dylan and he agreed. Stuart did the first hour and then I took over. Nervous doesn't come into it, but I soon got into character by being rude hidden away inside the casing. I had a fantastic time and it was all over too soon. The bizarre thing about this was the date... November 23 - the birthday of Doctor Who! Stuart told me that Nick was planning something, which was an adaptation of "The Dalek Masterplan" for October 2007 and seeing as how I'd been a good Dalek maybe I should contact him.

Me as Dylan in the shopping centre - November 23, 2006.

Click on the image for a larger version in a new window.

I dropped Nick a note and basically gave him my CV of being a Dalek (well, one appearance!) and how much I'd love to be in the play. Shortly afterwards nick got in contact with me and offered me the part of Dalek Two in the play.

That's it - I'm now an official Dalek in Doctor Who!

So dear reader, you are still asking what is this blog all about? It's going to be my way of letting you know how the show is going, my thoughts on it, behind the scenes info, trailers and, most importantly, what it's like to be a Dalek.

That's my Dalek life.