Sunday 21 February 2016

Harry Melling wants to be the Next Doctor

Former Harry Potter star Harry Melling wants to follow in his grandfather's footsteps and be the Doctor. His grandfather is the late Patrick Troughton who played the Second incarntaion of the Doctor. 

Harry Melling, now 26, found fame in the Harry Potter films as Dudley Dursley, Harry's (Daniel Radcliffe) cousin who made his life a misery. But now he says he would love to become the 13th Doctor, 50 years after Troughton played the second Time Lord. Patrick Troughton died before he was born, but it seems Harry has inherited the family’s acting talent.

Melling is starring in acclaimed West End show Hand To God at The Vaudeville Theatre until mid-June. He played Dudley from the age of 10, making his final appearance in the first part of Harry Potter And The Deathly Hallows in 2010.

“Harry Potter was a great experience and the cast have kept in touch,”
he said.

As he grew older, he lost so much puppy fat that he ended up having to wear a fat suit to play the character of Dudley.

 
 Producers even considered recasting the role because of his new trim shape. But it turned out to be blessing in disguise.

“I was able to shed the whole child actor thing and start a new career, because no one sees me as Dudley. I was a chubby kid who went to drama school at 18 and lost weight. It was down to growing up, a new routine, a new environment, lots of movement and taking care of my body. “Harry Potter was a lifetime ago. I was 10 in the first film. So much has happened since then.” 

 His latest play features Texas teenagers using glove puppets to spread the gospel. “I was scared by Hand Of God but in the end I felt comfortable enough to do it.

My parents came to watch and loved it. They all come from an acting family. I would love to be the next new Doctor. I am not the person in charge of that but I would love to keep it in the family. It probably won’t happen as I might need to be a bit older. I’ve really enjoyed doing theatre but getting Doctor Who in the family again would be great.” 


 

Monday 1 February 2016

The War Doctor Volume 02: Infernal Devices


Synopsis

Three new battles for the War Doctor.
2.1 Legion of the Lost by John Dorney

In a time of war, every means of victory must be explored. In the Time War, the unthinkable must be thought, and neither side can afford to be squeamish about their methods.

When the destruction of an obscene weapon leads to the Time Lord once known as the Doctor uncovering a secret Gallifreyan initiative, he cannot believe what is being considered. Should victory be sought at any cost? Or are there worse possibilities than losing to the Daleks..?

2.2 A Thing of Guile by Phil Mulryne
The Daleks are developing a secret weapon on Asteroid Theta 12. It is imperative that their plans are uncovered.

Cardinal Ollistra has her hands full studying the range of ancient and mysterious armaments the universe has to offer, but she makes it a personal mission to investigate the Dalek project. On this dangerous assignment, there is one particular Time Lord she wants at her side - and he will be accompanying her whether he wants to or not.

2.3 The Neverwhen by Matt Fitton
On an isolated world ravaged by battle, time itself has become a weapon, laying waste to all who live and die there. Arms and technology are in a state of flux – and it seems that everlasting war is their only option.

The arrival of one battered Type Forty TARDIS inside this nightmare offers hope to the combatants trapped within. But when he discovers the truth, the horrors of the Neverwhen will shock even the War Doctor…
Written By: John Dorney, Phil Mulryne, Matt Fitton
Directed By: Nicholas Briggs

Cast

John Hurt (The War Doctor), Jacqueline Pearce (Cardinal Ollistra), David Warner (Shadovar), Jamie Newall (Co-ordinator Jarad), Zoƫ Tapper (Collis), Robert Hands (Captain Solex), Oliver Dimsdale (Commander Trelon), Laura Harding (Navigator Valis), Barnaby Kay (Commander Thrakken), Jaye Griffiths (Daylin), Tim Bentinck (General Kallix), Tracy Wiles (Commander Barnac), and Nicholas Briggs as the Daleks. Other parts played by the cast.
Producer David Richardson
Script Editor Matt Fitton
Executive Producers Jason Haigh-Ellery and Nicholas Briggs

Price £20
Available February 2016