Archive for ‘3. Robot of Sherwood’
Warning! This article and its comments may contain spoilers...
WhovianNet caught up with Ian Hallard to chat about his recent appearance in Doctor Who.
The actor guest starred in Robot of Sherwood as Alan-a-Dale and shared his memories of becoming one of Robin Hood’s coveted Merry Men.
It wasn’t his first foray into the Doctor Who universe, though, as he’s also appeared in various Big Finish audio productions. He also porrtrayed real-life director Richard Martin in An Adventure in Space and Time.
Q. Hi there, Ian! So when did you first realise you wanted to become an actor?
A. I’d always acted in school plays at drama groups on Saturdays, but I generally assumed I’d end up doing it purely as a hobby. Then, after going to university and graduating with no real idea of what I wanted to do next, it was my Dad who said – in a complete reversal of the way parents are supposed to behave – that if I wanted it badly enough, I should give it a go.
Q. And how did your role as Alan-a-Dale in Robot of Sherwood come about?
A. I’ve known Andy Pryor for a while and after I’d auditioned for ‘An Adventure in Space and Time’, it was suggested that I play Alan in this episode. I trained in musical theatre so the singing was a fun aspect.
Q. So you were already a fan of the series before you landed the role?
A. I was a fan as a child. I remember watching it at the tail end of the Tom Baker era – I guess I must have been 7 or 8 – and then Peter Davison was my Doctor. I went to the Longleat exhibition in 1983, and I still have a photo of my brother and me on the TARDIS set. When Peter left, I stopped watching and I didn’t start again until the show returned under Russell.
Q. How did it feel to become one of Robin Hood’s coveted Merry Men and did you do any research into your character?
A. It was lovely to play such an iconic figure. Alan seems to appear in most versions of the legend on TV and film. I rewatched the great Errol Flynn film, as that was the inspiration for this particular version of Robin Hood. Alan’s very much a supporting character in this story. He sings, he plays the lute, he laughs, he’s a bit camp. That’s about as complex as it got!
Q. What was it like to play a character with such a musical personality?
A. There were initially elaborate plans for me to have an earpiece which would play the backing track, but mercifully we abandoned that pretty quickly. I sang and then the lute playing was added afterwards.
Q. What are your favourite memories from your time on set?
A. Well, the weather was lovely – a run of unbroken sunny days. Peter was utterly charming and a real gentleman to work with, and the little boy in me had a fantastic time on location in a genuine Medieval castle playing at knights! The castle was open while we were filming so there were lots of excited families watching. There was archery, stuntmen and explosions – what’s not to love? Plus we five Merry Men spent a lot of time together and did genuinely laugh a great deal. Matthew – one of the SA’s – entertained us with a vast array of YouTube videos of his unique vocal talents. They’re well worth a look!
Q. Robot of Sherwood wasn’t your first foray into the Doctor Who universe as your voice has been heard in several of the Big Finish audio adventures. What are the biggest differences between acting in front of a microphone and acting in front of a camera, and what challenges does each present?
A. Acting for radio is quicker and less pressure – no lines to learn and if you make a mistake you can instantly go back and do it again. It’s always brilliant working for Big Finish so I do it whenever I’m asked. I think my favourite scene was a prolonged suicide where my character tried to kill himself in various ways including crushing himself in a door, biting his tongue out and drinking poison.
Q. Last year you also guest starred in An Adventure in Space and Time as Richard Martin, one of the original Doctor Who directors. How did it feel to be involved in such a special project marking the 50th anniversary of the series?
A. It was great, particularly being on Westminster Bridge early on a Sunday morning and watching the kids on the bridge spot the Daleks approaching. Funnily enough, Richard Martin was the first ever TV director I worked with back when I was at drama school, so it was surreal to be playing him – cravat and all – fifteen years later.
Q. From your own experiences, what advice would you give to any aspiring actors reading this?
A. Work hard, be a good team player and company member, be nice to people, be prepared for unemployment and disappointments, but also remember it’s the best job in the world and you’ll be privileged to be doing it. Oh – and learn your lines!
Q. Finally, have you got any upcoming projects you can tell us about?
A. I’ve been appearing in “Great Britain”- Richard Bean’s new play about the tabloid press – since June. I was at the National Theatre originally and we’ve now transferred to the Theatre Royal Haymarket until January. I have vague plans for another theatre production next year, but it’s a bit early to say anything about that just yet.
New series, new Doctor, new adventures. Click here for all the latest on Series 8!
Warning! This article and its comments may contain spoilers...
The final rating for Robot of Sherwood has been revealed.
The episode, in which the Doctor discovered an evil plan from beyond the stars and striked up an unlikely alliance with Robin Hood, was watched by an official audience of 7.28 million viewers in the UK.
The consolidated figure is considerably higher than the initial overnight of 5.2 million as it includes those who watched the episode within the first 7 days of its transmission. You can still rate and discuss this episode here.
New series, new Doctor, new adventures. Click here for all the latest on Series 8!
Warning! This article and its comments may contain spoilers...
The results of our Week 3 poll are as follows…
Would Robin Hood make a good companion?
No. (55.8%)
Yes. (44.2%)
Feel free to discuss the outcome in the comments below. The new series continues tomorrow in Listen.
What say you about Robot of Sherwood? Click here to Rate & Discuss the episode!
Warning! This article and its comments may contain spoilers...
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to have been one of Robin Hood’s coveted Merry Men, wonder no more!
Earlier this week we caught up with actor Trevor Cooper to find out more about his portrayal of the outlaw’s iconic companion Friar Tuck in Robot of Sherwood.
Trevor gave us his interesting insight into the filming of the latest episode and explained how the experience was different to his previous guest role in the 1975 serial Revelation of the Daleks. Read his responses below.
Q. Hi there, Trevor! Firstly, when did you first realise you were interested in acting?
A. In 1975, whilst studying Law at Kingston Poly, I played McHeath in a Drama Society production of The Threepenny Opera. I really enjoyed it and realised that some people did this for a living. After that, my mind was set.
Q. And how did your role as Friar Tuck in Robot of Sherwood come about?
A. Actually, I originally auditioned for the part of Quayl but was offered Tuck. Weirdly, Roger Ashton-Griffiths, who is a mate and who played Quayle, originally auditioned for Tuck. I had done an episode of Chalk for Steven Moffat years ago, so I suspect he had something to do with it.
Q. Were you already a fan of the series before you landed the role?
A. Of course I’m a fan of the series. I was 10 in 1963 when it first came out – the day after Kennedy’s assassination, as I remember. It immediately became my favourite programme and the Daleks had me hiding behind the sofa. Although, that was when I was 38!
Q. When did you film the episode and how long did filming last?
A. We filmed in April. We did most of the Merry Men stuff in a week and then came back a week later for the goodbye scene.
Q. What was it like to become one of Robin Hood’s iconic Merry Men and did you do any research into your character?
A. It was great being Friar Tuck. I’ve played him once before, in an advert for British Pork circa 1979, but this was my first proper bash at him. I didn’t do any research, other than to hark back to the 50s series with Richard Greene, on which our Merry Men were seemed to be based.
Q. What are your favourite memories from your time on set?
A. The Merry Men really bonded on the shoot and there were a lot laughs. We’ve all stayed in touch.
Q. This wasn’t your first appearance in Doctor Who as you also guest starred in Revelation of the Daleks in 1985. How would you compare both of your roles and how were both of the experiences similar/different?
A. This was very different to Revelation of the Daleks – mainly in terms of production values and expense. Back then, we rehearsed for two weeks or so at the Acton Hilton, shot a tiny bit on location and then did the rest in the studio, wobbly sets and eggbox Daleks included. Robot of Sherwood, however, was like shooting a movie.
Q. What was it like to get the chance to see Peter Capaldi perform as the Doctor before he had properly appeared on screen?
A. I thought Peter was tremendous. He gives a new weight to the Doctor that the role hasn’t had in a while, and, as well as being a wonderful actor, he was incredibly welcoming and attentive to everyone. He has properly taken on the mantle and he’s extremely giving with it. I think he may even end up being the best Doctor ever.
Q. Based on your own experiences, what advice would you give to any aspiring actors reading this?
A. Hang in there and get another job. You can act part-time and still make a lot of money.
Q. Finally, have you got any upcoming projects you can tell us a little about?
A. I’m in four episodes of the next series of Wizards vs Aliens which I shot round about the same time as Doctor Who – fortunately both in Cardiff! That starts in October or November, I think. And I’ve just come back from Johannesberg shooting the next series of The Wrong Mans with James Corden and Matthew Baynton, who is my cousin’s son. Nepotism works! That will go out as a Christmas Special.
What say you about Robot of Sherwood? Click here to Rate & Discuss the episode!
Warning! This article and its comments may contain spoilers...
We’re now three weeks into the brand new series so here’s our round up of all the action, and then some, so far. We’ve seen droids, Daleks and duels and it’s safe to say that the brand new era in the TARDIS has kicked off with a bang…
The timey-wimey drama recommenced in Deep Breath when we were finally introduced to Peter Capaldi as the Twelfth Doctor in his first full – and feature – length adventure. He swung into action in Victorian London where a dinosaur was rampant in the Thames and a spate of deadly combustions led our heroes to the heart of an alien conspiracy. We were also reunited with Vastra, Jenny and Strax who were on hand to support Clara as she adjusted to her best friend’s new face. We think she handled the situation very well, and it all came down to a cup of coffee and a phone call from an old friend. The new Doctor had arrived!
Next up in Episode 2, the Doctor went where he’s never gone before as he journeyed Into the Dalek on a dangerous mission which forced him to examine his conscience. Faced with a decision that would change the fate of his greatest enemy forever, he proved that there is such a thing as a good Dalek after all – who knew!? This episode also featured the debut of Danny Pink, Clara’s new colleague who we’ve been told has a dark secret from his past…
Last night it was third time lucky for Clara who finally met one of her lifelong heroes, Robin Hood. In a sun-dappled forest, the Doctor was forced to strike up an unlikely alliance with the iconic outlaw in order to save the whole of Nottingham from the Robot of Sherwood.
And it wouldn’t be Doctor Who without an ongoing mystery and there’s already a rather intriguing one developing. In the first two episodes we were taken to ‘heaven’ where we met the Gatekeeper of the Nethersphere – otherwise known as ‘Missy’. But who is she and just what awaits the Doctor on the other side? Share your theories in our discussion here!
So, 3 episodes down, 9 to go! How’s Peter Capaldi’s debut series shaping up for you thus far? Are you pleased with our new fiercer Doctor and the darker direction the show seems to be going in? Have your say and don’t miss our individual Discussions for each episode.
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Over 5 million people chose to spend their Saturday night in Sherwood with the Doctor, Clara and Robin.
The overnight ratings show that 5.2 million tuned in for Robot of Sherwood on BBC One last night, making Doctor Who the second most watch programme of the day with a 25.4% share of the total TV audience.
As well as mirroring last week’s overnight figure, our Time Lord was once again beaten to the top spot by The X Factor which attracted 8.7 million viewers to ITV.
What say you about Robot of Sherwood? Click here to Rate & Discuss the episode!
Warning! This article and its comments may contain spoilers...
In a sun-dappled Sherwood forest, the Doctor discovers an evil plan from beyond the stars and strikes up an unlikely alliance with Robin Hood. With all of Nottingham at stake, the Doctor must decide who is real and who is fake. Can impossible heroes really exist?
The Doctor journeyed to the 12th century as Series 8 continued. Did his latest adventure make you a merry man/woman or has it left you reaching for the nearest bow and arrow…?
Tonight’s adventure was a dream come true for a starstruck Clara who finally got to meet one of her lifelong heroes in the form of Robin Hood. Her idol was brought to life – bow and all – by Tom Riley, but the Twelfth Doctor was seemingly less enthused by their encounter…
When the mystery of the Robot of Sherwood began to unravel, our Time Lord was forced to strike up an unlikely alliance with the infamous outlaw as they joined forces to save the whole of Nottingham from the threat of an evil, and inevitably alien, plan. The episode also guest starred comedian Ben Miller as the storming Sheriff, but will it go down in history?
Is this Sherwood story one to remember? We now declare tonight’s discussion verily open so head to the comments below to let us know your thoughts on tonight’s helping of timey-wimey treasures and don’t forget to vote in our new Series 8, Week 3 homepage poll, too!
NOTE: This discussion will NOT be spoiler monitored so please do not read the comments if you haven’t seen Robot of Sherwood. You have been warned!
Warning! This article and its comments may contain spoilers...
Tom Riley has been discussing his role as Robin Hood ahead of his appearance in tonight’s episode of Doctor Who.
The actor plays the infamous outlaw in Robot of Sherwood, which airs at 7:30pm on BBC One, and told Entertainment Weekly that it “was a lovely surprise” when he was offered the part without having to audition. “It was lovely to be thought of for something like this,” he explained. “When things come through directly, you don’t assume it’s going to be such a great part. So it was a treat. It means a lot.”
Meanwhile, the Da Vinci’s Demons star has said that his iconic character, who no one has ever been able to prove actually existed, is “filled with passion and heart”. “He finds pretty much anything funny,” he told DoctorWho.tv. “But the Doctor is convinced he’s fictional…”
And landing a dream role in Doctor Who means he’s got nothing left on his bucket list. “It’s been something I’ve desperately wanted to do,” he revealed to HitFix. “You hope that if you get a chance to do Doctor Who it will be something memorable and not someone who pops in and out of a scene. But I would’ve done that. I would’ve happily just turned up!”
Join us straight after the episode from 8:20pm to have your say in our discussion.
Warning! This article and its comments may contain spoilers...
It’s Saturday which means tonight we’ll be treated to another helping of Doctor Who timey-wimey goodness as our heroes journey to a sun dappled Sherwood forest.
In Robot of Sherwood, the Doctor strikes up an unlikely alliance with Robin Hood as Nottingham lies in threat of an evil plan from beyond the stars. But can impossible heroes really exist?
Find out tonight on BBC One at 7:30pm and join us straight after – from 8:20pm – to share your thoughts.
Warning! This article and its comments may contain spoilers...
The BBC has decided to cut a scene from Saturday’s episode, Robot of Sherwood, in light of recent worldwide events.
The scene, which involved a beheading, has been removed as it could be deemed insensitive following incidents that have been taking place in Iraq and Syria.
A BBC spokesperson told Radio Times: “In light of recent news events, we have made an edit to episode three out of respect.” The episode, written by Mark Gatiss, airs on Saturday at 7:30pm on BBC One.
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