Doctor Who at the BBC: The Plays
Doctor Who at the BBC: The Plays was the fourth in the Doctor Who at the BBC CD series, and differed significantly from other installments. It was wholly comprised of three audio plays that were about Doctor Who, but which did not occur in the Doctor Who universe. That is, two of the plays had to do with fandom's relationship to the programme, while the third was a fictionalized account of Delia Derbyshire's struggle to arrange the Doctor Who theme music in 1963.
Unusually, the plays were not actually aimed at the traditional family audience for Doctor Who, but rather were firmly targeted at adults. The release therefore carried a warning that its contents included sexual themes and strong language.
It was further unique in this series for not having a presenter, and thus for not using the talents of Elisabeth Sladen.
Publisher's summary
Tom Baker and Sophie Aldred appear in one of three full-cast BBC radio dramas based around the real-life worlds of Doctor Who
Doctor Who, the TV series which millions adore, is the inspiration for these three original radio plays. Presented in their entirety, they each focus on the effect which the programme has had on the lives of ordinary – and some extraordinary – people.
"Regenerations" by Daragh Carville In this powerful and moving play, a group of friends reunite for an annual Doctor Who convention. Set against a backdrop of the Belfast troubles, the play deals with themes of sexuality and love, and features appearances by Tom Baker and Sophie Aldred.
"Blue Veils and Golden Sands" by Martyn Wade Delia Derbyshire was the delightful and unusual woman who created the unique sound of the original Doctor Who theme tune. This is a dramatised account of her early days at the BBC Radiophonic Workshop, and her later recollections of that time.
"Dalek, I Love You" by Colin Sharpe Nigel’s obsession with Doctor Who is a source of some concern to his mother. When he meets the girl of his dreams at a convention, life at home seems set to change forever …
Track listings
CD 1
"Regenerations"
BBC Radio 3, 1 December 2001
CAST:
Doctor Who & Himself – Tom Baker
Herself – Sophie Aldred
Brian – Michael Colgan
Martin – Miche Docherty
Neil/Reporter – Richard Dormer
Tony – Tim Loane
Ciaran – Thomas Lappin
Rachel – Justine Mitchell
Policeman/Barman – Alan McKee
Produced and directed by Gemma McMullan
CD 2
"Blue Veils and Golden Sands"
BBC Radio 4, 23 December 2002
CAST:
Peter Kember – Himself
Anthony Newley – Stephen Critchlow
Ron Grainer – Martin Hyder
Producer – Scott Brooksbank
Produced and directed by Cherry Cookson
Music advisor, arranger and composer of original music, Elizabeth Parker
"Dalek, I Love You"
BBC Radio 7, 11 February 2006
CAST:
Nigel English – David Raynor
Isabella – Fiona Clarke
Maggie – Charlie Hardwick
Directed by Carrie Rooney
Produced by BBC Manchester.
