From the video vaults

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!

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

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.

Extermination testing

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

Return Of The Daleks

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

It's the final countdown

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

We must act now... part 1

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

All change

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".

My end is in sight!

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.

On with the motley...

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...

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.

All together now...

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!

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

Rain didn't stop invasion plans UPDATE: 15 JULY

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.

Trailers for the play

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.