As rumoured, hinted and largely suspected over the past few months, the BBC has announced today that Mark Gatiss is to write a special dramatised account of the genesis of Doctor Who.
An Adventure In Space And Time tells the story of the birth of our favourite show, covering its first broadcast on 23 November 1963 and featuring the many personalities involved in bringing the series to life.
With a script from Gatiss and executive produced by current Doctor Who showrunner, Steven Moffat, and Caroline Skinner. The single 90 minute drama was commissioned by Ben Stephenson Controller, Drama, and Janice Hadlow, Controller of BBC Two.
Mark Gatiss:
“This is the story of how an unlikely set of brilliant people created a true television original. And how an actor – William Hartnell – stereotyped in hard-man roles became a hero to millions of children. I’ve wanted to tell this story for more years than I can remember! To make it happen for Doctor Who’s 50th birthday is quite simply a dream come true.”
Meanwhile, Steven Moffat, Executive Producer, said:
“The story of Doctor Who is the story of television – so it’s fitting in the anniversary year that we make our most important journey back in time to see how the TARDIS was launched.”
Casting, production and transmission details will be confirmed in the new year.
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Excellent news. This is going to be one big anniversary year!
Over the past few months? As suggested by me in 2010, on this site!
This has been about as inevitable as a very inevitable thing on National Inevitability Day. But to hear Gatiss is at the helm is excellent news. I bet they will use the rebuilt 63 Tardis set in the new series in some way too. This is all, as the kids say, made of win.
I remember you suggesting it might happen a while back too, Mugen, before the strong rumours started recently.
It’s a pity they won’t make a 90 minute Dr Who special. Instead we get a docudrama and 43 minute stories with Smith’s Dr that don’t have long enough screan time to build any sense of suspense/interest. Gatiss’ talents would have been better employed writing actual Who not this throwback oddity.
How do you know they won’t make a 90-minute special, James?
There’s still plenty of time for more to be announced. I’d be surprised if there aren’t further surprises in store.