Doctor Who festival announces new guests

Former Doctor Who stars have been added to the upcoming Doctor Who Festival, to be held in Sydney on November 21 / 22.

Seventh Doctor Sylvester McCoy and Strax actor Dan Starkey are confirmed, while former companion Billie Piper hopes to appear, subject to filming commitments..

They join previously announced guests Peter Capaldi, writer and executive producer Steven Moffat and writer Mark Gatiss.

Piper and McCoy will appear on stage in a series of fan Q&As hosted by Adam Spencer.

Sylvester McCoy said, “I’m over the moon, quite literally, as I’ll be coming by TARDIS!”

Dan Starkey will show fans what it takes to be a monster in a special hands-on drama session, joined by actor Jon Davey, who has played a variety of monsters in over 30 episodes.

“I made a flying visit to Australia a few years ago and I’m really looking forward to coming back and spending a little longer this time. In his long and illustrious military career I’m sure that Strax has conquered jet-lag and I’m certain I will too!” said Starkey.

The Festival has also announced some new features:

· New! Millennium Fx Monster Show – see the work that goes into creating some of the iconic monsters from Doctor Who with a live monster make-up demonstration and, as a special treat for fans, a brand new never-before-seen series nine monster will also feature on stage.
· New! Drama School With The Monsters – alongside Dan Starkey (Strax) and Jon Davey (monster actor), learn what it takes to be a monster on the set of Doctor Who in this hands-on drama school session.
· New! Production Village – get a glimpse of life on set in the ‘Production Village’ with Gary Russell (Script Editor). Learn about the different roles in television production and what it’s really like to work on set. How early are the call times? Who arrives first and who leaves last? Who has the most difficult role, and most importantly, who looks after the key to the TARDIS? In the Production Village these questions and more will be answered, as fans are offered an exclusive insight into the many parts involved in bringing them the world’s longest running sci-fi program.
· New! Science Of Doctor Who – on this amazing journey through space and time, comedian Rob Lloyd explores the scientific mysteries of Doctor Who. Featuring original scenes from the iconic BBC television series, this interactive session investigates the science of time travel, asks if regeneration is possible, and explains how the TARDIS can be bigger on the inside. Brought to you by RiAus.
· New! Iconic Set – direct from Cardiff a unique setting from this season’s Doctor Who will be coming to Australia for the first time ever.

Tickets can be purchased at Ticketek.