By Ade Blackburn
The upcoming Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder exhibition ( at the World Museum promises to be a delight for both kids and adults. The thrilling new interactive exhibition explores the world of science within the universe of Doctor Who.
Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder will include contributions from stars across the fields of science and entertainment, along with the opportunity to find out more about the many links between Liverpool and the long running sci-fi show, National Museums Liverpool has revealed.
Game of Thrones star Mark Gatiss – co-creator of BBC’s Sherlock and writer of several episodes of Doctor Who – will narrate the exhibition, guiding visitors through space and time.
Visitors will also be able to delve into the classic set designs of the original series, as well as the incredible special effects and makeup design that bring the show to life – all from scientists, designers and producers who have worked on Doctor Who. NML can also reveal the inclusion of a special Liverpool Connections area within the exhibition – delving deeper into the links between the classic TV show and the city of Liverpool.
To celebrate the launch of the exhibition here’s a selection of some of the most celebrated Doctors and several of the Time Lord’s scary adversaries.
1. William Hartnell
The BBC show was first aired in 1963, it was originally intended as an educational programme, using time travel as a means to explore scientific ideas and famous moments in history.
The very first Doctor Who, William Hartnell, was a veteran of the stage and Carry On films, he approached the role as a cross between The Wizard of Oz and Father Christmas. Becoming the Doctor was a particular triumph for William as he’d left school at 16 with no qualifications and few prospects.
2. Jodie Whittaker
The thirteenth and current Doctor Who, Jodie had appeared in BBC’s Broadchurch and The Night Watch before taking the part. The concept of a female Doctor was first discussed in 1981 but took until 2017 to become a reality, both Judy Dench and Helen Mirren were considered for the part in earlier years.
A female Doctor was quite a surprise and controversial for many fans and whilst some had doubts about ‘political correctness’, the majority agreed Jodie was a positive role model for young girls.
3. Jon Pertwee
One of the best-loved and most flamboyant in the Time Lord role, Jon Pertwee had a penchant for fancy clothes and theatricality. He was famously described as ‘a dapper, technologically oriented man of action’ and perfect for the part as Britain entered the colourful Seventies.
Jon later became the star of children’s show Worzel Gummidge, playing alongside Una Stubbs, and hosted the sleuthing game show Whodunnit?
4. Daleks
Created by science-fiction writer Terry Nation and drawing inspiration from the Nazis, the Daleks are merciless cyborg aliens who demand total conformity to their will and rather famously, the extermination of inferior races.
The Daleks are led by mad Kaled scientist Davros, a dastardly character who is sure to get you hiding behind the sofa. For episodes involving armies of the aliens, the BBC effects team would use wooden replicas and even turned to using commercially available toy Daleks to make up the numbers.
5. Peter Capaldi
Prior to taking over the lead role in Doctor Who, Peter Capaldi had played in a punk band, The Dreamboys, in the 1970s. He was best known for his acting role as the infamous spin doctor Malcolm Tucker in the BBC political sitcom The Thick of It.
Peter had been asked to audition for Doctor Who as early as 1995 but didn’t turn up for the audition, he loved the show so much but didn’t think he would get the part. In 2013 he finally took on the role and uniquely portrayed the Doctor as a spiky, brusque, and pragmatic character.
6. Tom Baker
The longest serving Doctor from 1974-81, Tom had served in the army and Merchant Navy before becoming a professional actor. He made the role his own with his eccentricity, very long scarves and fondness for Jelly Babies.
Baker suggested many aspects of his Doctor’s personality, he became known for making frequent and often comedic script suggestions, as well as ad-libs on camera.
The actor later went on to star in Monarch of the Glen, narrate Little Britain and is also fondly remembered for the children’s show The Book Tower.
7. Cybermen
In the 1960s, ‘spare-part’ surgery in hospitals began with the development of gigantic heart-lung machines. Cybermen creator Dr Kit Pedler discussed with his wife what would happen if a person had so many prostheses that they could no longer distinguish themselves between man and machine.
Dr Pedler got the opportunity to develop this idea when, in 1966, after an appearance on Tomorrows World, he was hired as a consultant by the BBC for Doctor Who. The Cybermen emerged on the show as emotionless cyborgs who, often painfully, surgically convert human beings to join their ranks.
Doctor Who Worlds of Wonder exhibition, World Museum, 27 May 2022—30 Oct 2022.
Book your tickets via the National Museums Liverpool website now.