Competition Time …

To celebrate being back on board, Torchwood Australia is launching a multiple choice competition – just email your answers to the questions below to ruthy@torchwoodaustralia.com, to be in the running for a prize – there will be a 1st and 2nd prize for this comp, and comp is open to all worldwide…

Closing date for comp is 27 January 2021, 6pm local Qld time.

Have fun guys –

Multiple Choice Quiz below – how many can you answer correctly?

1.            Jemma Redgrave has this role in the 50th Anniversary Special –

                a. Kate Sterling

                b. Karen Spencer

                c. Kate Stewart

                d. Kelly Schwartz

2.            Georgia Moffett’s middle name is –

                a. Beth

                b. Elizabeth

                c. Jo Jo

                d. Georgina

3.            Colin Baker’s star sign is –

                a. Gemini

                b. Capricorn

                c. Leo

                d. Virgo

4.            How many children did William Hartnell have –

                a. 2 sons

                b. 1 daughter and 1 son

                c. no children

                d. 1 daughter

5.            One of the episodes “Donna Noble” appeared in was –

                a. Turn Right

                b. Turn Left

                c. Turn Around

                d. Turn It Up

6.            Bernard Cribbins was made an OBE in what year –

                a. 2000

                b. 2011

                c. 2005

                d. 1999

7.            FOUR Doctors appeared at which Australian Convention in April this year –

                a. TARDIS WHO Time

                b. Time Lords Inc

                c. WHO WHO and more WHO

                d. Lords of Time

8.            In 2063, Doctor Who will be celebrating its what anniversary –

                a. 90th

                b. 75th

                c. 100th

                d. 110th

9.            Patrick Troughton’s star sign was –

                a. Cancer

                b. Aquarius

                c. Pisces

                d. Aries

10.          Steven Moffat is –

                a. Irish

                b. English

                c. Welsh

                d. Scottish

OUR INTERVIEW WITH LOUISE JAMESON!

Let’s step back in time to 2012 – time for some fabulousness in the form of an interview with “Leela”……..

The Torchwood Australia Website and Forum is very pleased to present an exclusive interview with Louise Jameson, “Leela” from the Classic Who days.

We wish to thank Louise for giving us the time and agreeing to participate in this interview.

Please note: as this is an exclusive interview to Torchwood Australia, all parts are not to be distributed or reproduced anywhere else!

1.  One of your very first roles was in 1971 in a TV programme called “Tom Brown’s Schooldays” – how did it feel walking on set for the very first time?  Did you feel a bit out of your depth or was it just a day full of excitement for you?

The naivety of youth… I was so excited to be there.  The whole process was fresh and exciting and I was completely taken care of.  Even down to the camera man giving me a lesson on size of framing, and lighting.

2.  Before joining “Doctor Who”, you had a number of roles in TV programmes/movies over those early years.  Is there something in particular that stands out as an amazing memory or experience?

THE GAME….  It was a one off drama filmed in Manchester, first Drama they ever did.  And I adored the classic feel of it and the class struggle content of the script.

The Doctor Who Years:

3.  You were cast in the role as ‘Leela’, companion to Tom Baker’s Doctor.  Tom appears to be one of the most popular Doctors from the Classic series.  Please tell us a bit about working with Tom during your time on Who.

If I had a tenner for every time I am asked this question I would not need to ever work again.

He was difficult, no question, but he cared so deeply about the programme and is such a talented actor that one forgives him anything.

Tom and I have recently reprised our Doctor/Leela roles on audio for BIG FINISH (launching next Saturday) (ADMIN EDIT – this occurred during February) and I can honestly say the whole process has been an absolute delight.  And Tom has been ADORABLE to work with.

4.  From the look of Leela’s costume, you remind us of an early version of Xena Warrior Princess.  Was the costume awkward to move in or uncomfortable?

Initially it was uncomfortable, but after we’d added the back flap and made it easier to have a pee, all was good.

5.  Were there any funny moments or off screen pranks that occurred during your Who years?

I wish I could come up with more anecdotes than I have…  it was really quite a serious process, and the times we did fall about laughing you ‘had to be there’….  There was one time on the top of Wills Factory in Bristol when I was FREEZING in that costume that Tom wrapped me up like an Egyptian mummy and when the word ‘action’ rang out he spun me free to continue with the scene.

6.  Were you sad to finish your run as Leela?  Or did you feel it was time the Doctor had a new companion?

Because things weren’t brilliant with Tom and I way back when, I was ready to go.  And went straight to Bristol to play PORTIA in THE MERCHANT OF VENICE – things were really happening for me career wise then.  

I never thought that Doctor Who would be such a source of comfort, income, work, travel, discussion, laughter for me in 2012, like no other job has been.

After Doctor Who:

7.  You’ve had various roles in a number of TV programmes over the years since “Doctor Who”, probably one of your longest running was on “Eastenders” – did you enjoy working on such a long established show?

Actually BERGERAC was 4 years, and Tenko and EE were both 2…….

I found EE quite hard to work on.  There is a very ‘us and them’ feel between the management and the actors.  However, my family were adorable, and who wouldn’t want to go into work with those two boys waiting to hug you every day!

8.  Having performed as Leela in “Doctor Who”, played Tania Braithwaite in the Adrian Mole TV series, and lately being cast as Eleanor on “Doc Martin”, how does it compare going from time travelling warrior woman, to relatively ‘normal’ roles as a Mother?  Which do you prefer?

Every role has its challenges, good and bad…..  the more dramatic, the more you have to delve, the more the satisfaction.  I would say, overall, that Blanche in Tenko has been my favourite TV role to date.  But my favourite form of performance is small theatres.  Not so much dosh to be had, but the artistic satisfaction, the immediacy of the audience, the story telling without interruption….  I love all of that.

9.  One of your passions appears to be theatre – do you prefer working on stage over filming a TV programme episode?  We gather it would certainly be more nerve wracking performing live?

See above

10.  You have appeared in a number of Shakespeare plays – do you like performing Shakespeare or do you have a preference for non-Shakespeare roles?

I am PASSIONATE about Shakespeare…..  if you can do him well you can do anything.  He is at times, perfection and expresses deep emotion like no other.

11.  You’ve worked on BBC Radio plays and have also recorded some audio dramas for Big Finish and Fantom Films.  Do you find perfoming audio much easier than working in TV and theatre?  Is it something you will continue to do?

I’ve just started my own audio company, currently called DOWNLOAD DRAMA DOT CO DOT UK… yes it’s easier simply because you don’t have to learn anything.  Although some actors make the mistake of thinking you don’t have to work on the text…. Not true…… especially with sci fi.  BIG FINISH are fabulous to work with, and, if they’ll have me, I’ll continue with them forever.

12.  Have you enjoyed your role in “Doc Martin”?  (Ruthy said) I have personally visited Port Isaac and I have to say it is a beautiful part of Cornwall.  What were your impressions of “Port Wenn”?

I have completely fallen in love with North Cornwall… and have revisited already, and have another short holiday booked in the Spring.  This last summer was one of the happiest of my life.  The job was the best 60th b’day present I could have had.

13.  You are currently touring the play “Pulling Faces”, which is a one woman show?  Have you been enjoying working solo on stage, and what has the audience reaction been like?

Audience reaction has been fantastic!  People standing at the end on occasion.  Very humbling and very gratifying.  I’m always scared before I go on, but once it is underway it becomes a joy.

14.  We believe there was a promo going around at the end of last year, that you were performing “Pulling Faces” at a Doctor Who fan event.  Did this go ahead, and if so, did you enjoy your trip to Australia?  Have you visited our country before?

I loved Australia, sadly it was far too short a visit.  Yes I performed in Sydney, the show went incredibly well, and I’m doing it again in LA at another convention in a couple of weeks.

15.  You have a few Fan events lined up in the near future, including “Gallifrey” in Los Angeles.  Do you enjoy the opportunity of meeting the Who fans, and will you continue doing these type of appearances in the future?

Yes, I do like meeting the fans, but spread out convention performances, so that it remains enjoyable, I think you can OD on them if you’re not careful.

16.  What projects do you have lined up for 2012?

The show I am next going to do has been written by NIGEL FAIRS and me and is called MY GAY BEST FRIEND.  It is a two hander which we shall be performing at The Brighton Festival every Sunday.

I run a theatre college for teenagers on a Sunday, we are going to be performing THE COMEDY OF ERRORS, in July.

DOWNLOAD DRAMA will be underway.

More BIG FINISH on offer

…and hopefully more writing…..  I have an idea for a script that is very intense, and complicated, but necessary to address…. Watch this space

17.  Of all the roles you have had, and a great number of actors you have worked with, is there one who really stands out as the ultimate co-worker?

I would have to say the cast of Tenko, and if I had to pick one person it would be VERONICA ROBERTS who played Dorothy.  She is wise, and wonderful, and talented.

Louise from a personal perspective:

18.  As you seem to be a very busy woman, how do you wind down when you aren’t working?

I work some more!!!!  Actually it is a bit of a problem, and I should find some more downtime.

I’m going on a balloon ride soon…. Does that count?

19.  Do you have any hobbies or activities that you are passionate about?

Reading, theatre, Zamba classes

20.  Do you have any pets?  If so, what type?

I have a fabulous dog, part staff part collie.  Rescue dog, impossible, adorable, characterful.  I’ve always had rescue dogs and the occasional cat.

Forum holiday – semi permanent

Hello everyone

I’ve decided to close the Forum to new posts, and that is why you will see it in Maintenance Mode.

Most of us moderators have little spare time these days, and moderating a Forum is just not something we have time for at the moment.

But our Facebook Group and Twitter will remain running as usual, and there will be periodic announcements made on our main web page here.

Torchwood Australia is still kicking around, just in a slightly different capacity. Doesn’t mean we have any less passion for Torchwood and Doctor Who than we did before, it is just that real life is interfering way more these days.

We hope you will continue to visit us on the Facebook Group, and feel free to post over there and chat to fellow members.

All the best to everyone…..

Cheers, Ruthy x

EXCITING news from Titan Comics!


CAPTAIN JACK IS BACK!
ALL-NEW TORCHWOOD COMICS KICK-OFF WITH EXCLUSIVE JOHN BARROWMAN & CAROLE E. BARROWMAN-PENNED ADVENTURE!

DOCTOR WHO TV SPINOFF, TORCHWOOD IS BACK, IN COMICS!

Titan Comics is excited to announce that Doctor Who TV spinoff Torchwood is back, in an all-new ongoing comic series starring the daring Captain Jack Harkness and Gwen Cooper.

Written by Captain Jack himself – John Barrowman – and Carole E. Barrowman, and with issues illustrated by Antonio Fuso (Drive, The Girl Who Kicked the Hornet’s Nest) and Pasquale Qualano (Batman ’66, She Hulk, Harley Quinn), this spectacular original ongoing series is not to be missed.

In continuity with the new hit Torchwood audio dramas from Big Finish, as part of the official continuation of the Torchwood saga, the comic arrives in stores on July 6 – the week of Titan’s third annual Doctor Who Comics Day event – Saturday, July 9 2016.

The BAFTA-winning cult science-fiction drama by Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies, which aired for four successful seasons from 2006 to 2011, follows the exploits of Captain Jack, Gwen (Eve Myles – Broadchurch), and their team as they investigate the unusual, the strange, and the extraterrestrial.

The hotly anticipated Torchwood comic sees Captain Jack return to Cardiff to engage the help of the last person who expected to see him again, Gwen Cooper! A dark technology from a forgotten species has been claimed by a conspiratorial power… and in this collision between an ancient civilization and an all-new evil, the Earth itself may be forfeit! Only Jack, Gwen, and their allies from what remains of Torchwood hold the key to stopping a cataclysmic wave of destruction… On the road, on the run, and under fire – can Jack and Gwen put aside their differences and rebuild the heart of Torchwood… before its flame is stamped out forever?!

The debut issue comes with variant covers to collect from Doctor Who superstar artists including Tommy Lee Edwards (Tenth Doctor, Turf), Elena Casagrande (Tenth Doctor, The X-Files), Blair Shedd (Ninth Doctor), and Rod Reis (Doctor Who, C.O.W.L.)!

Retailers can order Torchwood #1 from the May edition of PREVIEWS. This new series is a must for Torchwood fans, who can find their nearest comic store at ComicShopLocator.com.

ABOUT TITAN COMICS
Titan Comics offers astounding creator-owned comics and graphic novels from new and world-renowned talent, alongside the world’s greatest licensed properties and classic graphic novels remastered for brand-new audiences.

For more information, visit:

Images below:
• Torchwood #1 covers:
– Cover A: Tommy Lee Edwards
– Cover B: Photo Variant
– Cover C: Elena Casagrande
– Cover D: Blair Shedd
– Cover E: Rod Reis

Cover A:
Cover A

Cover B:
Cover B

Cover C:
Cover C

Cover D:
Cover D

Cover E:
Cover E