In the 50th anniversary year of the Doctor, we're planning discussions, showings, panels, and one or two surprises. Join our team of writers, critics and geeks to discuss all things Who, including religion, racism, villains, the Classic series, spin-offs, and of course the age old question: 14-foot long scarf, converse and pinstripes, or bow-tie and fez?
Saturday Panels
10:00-11:15 Writing Doctor Who and Torchwood
Kicking off our GeekFest weekend in style, Messrs Lidster, Moran and Russell talk us through the joys and challenges of writing for Doctor Who (past and present), Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures - for the show, novels and audiobooks.
With Joseph Lidster, James Moran and Gary Russell interviewed by Laurie Hooper
11:45 - 13:00 Doctor Who: Matthew Waterhouse (Adric)
From Doctor Who fan to Doctor Who star, Matthew Waterhouse was launched in to the public eye in 1980 as boy genius Adric, the youngest companion on the series and at a time of notable turmoil and tension between the cast and crew. Matthew will discuss his experiences and his recent book 'Blue Box Boy' with Robert Dick.
Interviewed by Robert Dick
13:30 - 14:45 Torchwood: Kai Owen (Rhys Williams)
Kai Owen achieved global fame with his portrayal of Rhys Williams in Torchwood in 2006 with the character elevated to star billing for the third series in 2009 reflecting his growing role. More recently Owen has appeared in the BBC's Being Human and the Syndicate. There'll be time for autographs afterwards.
Interviewed by Joseph Lidster
15:15 - 16:30 Doctor Who: Simon Fisher-Becker (Dorium Maldovar)
Perhaps one of the most popular and larger than life characters from the recent years of Doctor Who, Simon Fisher-Becker appeared as the blue-skinned oracle Dorium Maldovar in series 5 and 6, he is also famous for his work on Harry Potter and the Doctor Who Big Finish Audio dramas.
Interviewed by Laurie Hooper
17:00 - 18:15 Doctor Who: RTD vs Moffatt
Some people still miss Russell T Davies as showrunner on Doctor Who. Others think the show's never been better since Steven Moffat took over. Who's right? There's only one way to find out... Debate!
With Paul Condon, Matt Nixon and David A. McIntee
18:45 - 20:00 Big Finish: The Audio Series
Big Finish's Doctor Who audio plays have enjoyed a huge success over the past 15 years, showcasing the talents of a fantastic range of new writers. We discuss the strenghts and limitations of the audio format, and talk about their other ranges of drama - including Blake's 7, Dark Shadows, Sapphire and Steel.
With Gary Russell, Joseph Lidster, Una McCormack, Matthew Waterhouse & James Swallow interviewed by Robert Dick
Saturday Autographs (£10 each or free with purchase)
11:45 - 13:30 Simon Fisher-Becker
13:30 - 15:15 Matthew Waterhouse
15:15 - 17:00 Kai Owen and Matthew Waterhouse
17:00 - 18:45 Simon Fisher-Becker
Sunday Panels
10:00 - 11:15 Chicks Unravel Time
Discussions and readings from the book of the same name in which our favourite series is reviewed and analysed by a host of award-winning female writers, media professionals and scientists
With Iona Sharma, Una McCormack and Jenni Hughes
11:45 - 13:00 Doctor Who: The Ones You Love To Hate
Nothing's more fun than a really hissable villain, and Doctor Who's had more than its fair share of dastardly dudes and dames over the years. What makes a perfect villain? Is it the megalomaniac schemes? A catchphrase? Or just a natty line in sinister clothes? We talk all about the nastiest people in history.
With Jonathan L Howard, Adam Christopher, David A. McIntee, Ben Aaranovitch, Abigail Brady, James Swallow and Lesley McIntee
13:30 - 14:45 Is Doctor Who "Thunderingly Racist"?
A recent academic study of DW makes a bold claim that the show is "thunderingly racist". Is this true? No non-white actors have ever played the Doctor, and the absence of non-white people from the line-up of companions throughout the whole of the Classic Series is notable.
With Adam Christopher, Iona Sharma, Abigail Brady, Una McCormack and Matthew Kilburn
15:15 - 16:30 Torchwood: Doctor Who Goes Sexy
Fans of Torchwood are every bit as dedicated as fans of its parent show Doctor Who (have you seen the Ianto Shrine in Cardiff Bay?). We talk about why the series was such a hit, which season of the show worked best, whose death hurt the most, and what the future might hold for Captain Jack and Gwen.
With Gary Russell, Joseph Lidster and Kai Owen interviewed by Laurie Hooper
17:00 - 18:15 The Sarah Jane Adventures: Spinoff Success
For some fans of the Classic Series of Who, the launch of The Sarah Jane Adventures brought a nostalgic glow. We talk about the success of this brilliant CBBC series and how the team behind the show are continuing to make children's sci-fi with Wizards Vs Aliens.
With Paul Condon, Gary Russell, Joseph Lidster and Matt Nixon
18:45 - 20:00 Doctor Who: My Best Friend
From Susan all the way through to Clara Oswald, the Doctor's companion has been a fixture of the series for as long as it's been on the air. But who's been the greatest of them all? Jamie? Jo? Tegan? Rose? Donna? Or do you fly the flag for Dodo or Lady Christina?
With Jonathan L Howard, Matt Nixon, David A. McIntee and Tony Keen
Sunday Autographs (£10 each or free with purchase)
11:45 - 13:15 Andrew Cartmel
13:30 - 15:15 Kai Owen
