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TV Special An Adventure in Space and Time will Depict Doctor Who's True Origins

Source: BBC America

January 29, 2013

BBC America has announced that it will co-produce and premiere "An Adventure in Space and Time," the story of the genesis of "Doctor Who," as part of the channel’s celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the long-running series.

David Bradley (Harry Potter) is set to play the first ever Doctor, the iconic William Hartnell, in the drama written by Mark Gatiss ("Sherlock," "Doctor Who"), who will also serve as executive producer alongside Steven Moffat ("Doctor Who," "Sherlock") and Caroline Skinner ("Doctor Who," "The Fades"). "An Adventure in Space and Time" is a co-production between BBC Cymru Wales and BBC America.

The BBC’s Head of Drama Sydney Newman, credited with the creation of the show, will be portrayed by Brian Cox (The Bourne Supremacy, The Bourne Identity) and the producer, Verity Lambert, by Jessica Raine (Call the Midwife). The director of the first ever episode "An Unearthly Child," Waris Hussein, will be played by Sacha Dhawan (History Boys, Last Tango In Halifax).

Gatiss, writer and executive producer said: “What a cast! I'm utterly delighted that everyone's favorite Time Lord will be in such brilliant and stellar company. We have a terrific team who can't wait to tell the fascinating and surprising story of how the Doctor began his journey through Space and Time.”

Richard De Croce, SVP Programming, BBC America added: “We’re excited to work with BBC Cymru Wales on this co-production, allowing us to bring 'An Adventure in Space and Time' to Doctor Who fans on both sides of the pond. Mark and the talented team behind the project are sure to create a special that will delight audiences while commemorating this incredible series’ 50th anniversary.”

Commenting on his upcoming role, Bradley said, “I’m absolutely thrilled. I first heard about this role from Mark while watching the Diamond Jubilee flotilla from the roof of the National Theatre. When he asked if I would be interested, I almost bit his hand off! Mark has written such a wonderful script not only about the birth of a cultural phenomenon, but a moment in television’s history. William Hartnell was one of the finest character actors of our time and as a fan I want to make sure that I do him justice. I’m so looking forward to getting started.”

Filming is planned to begin in February at BBC’s Television Centre in London before moving to Wimbledon Studios. The drama is produced by Matt Strevens ("Misfits," "Skins") and directed by Terry McDonough ("Breaking Bad," "The Street").

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