SFSA - The South Australian Doctor Who Fan Club Inc.

PRELUDE

In late February I came across an article stating there was to be a Dr. Who convention in Adelaide. This alone caught my attention as not many have been held here. What really got me excited was the news that former Doctors Colin Baker (Dr. No. 6), Sylvester McCoy (Dr. No. 7), and John Leeson (the voice of mechanical companion K-9) were going to be in attendance. When I saw it was to be held on my birthday (26 March) I knew I HAD to go! So the ticket was booked and all I had to do was wait for the special day to arrive.

THE EVENT

I arrived at the venue - the Adelaide Police Club in Carrington Street - at 8.30am. Already people were waiting to get in and I followed them to the 1st floor where we all took our seats for proceedings to begin. I was surprised at how small the room was and eventually there would be around 80 - 90 attendees in total. This small 'cabaret-style' format worked for the duration as the audience got to know the actors and ask more questions, which may have been impossible in a larger setting.

At 9.15 we had an official welcome from the representatives of the 'Gifts for the Geek' website who arranged the event and they seemed enthusiastic. They started by saying that unfortunately Sylvester McCoy was unable to attend as he had just started production on Peter Jackson's The Hobbit films that very week and was in New Zealand. Bad news but they hinted he may come down here in May/June - which would be great.

A Channel Ten TV crew were there covering the event and there were stalls scattered around the room selling various Dr. Who items. Near the stage was a video camera capturing the events for prosperity and a few people dressed up for the occasion.

Then suddenly, without any warning, in walked Colin Baker and John Leeson! The crowd went wild and stood to applaud these 2 gentlemen who seemed to appreciate the reception. They of course looked much older than when we last saw them but their enthusiasm to cater to their fans was greatly appreciated.

After this introduction we were given the opportunity to have a photo taken with them - at a cost of $30 each. I wasn't too sure whether to do it at first but given it was my birthday I thought I may as well spoil myself! First I waited in line to have my photo taken with Colin Baker. I was a bit nervous but when I met him he was an absolute delight and put my at ease immediately. When I mentioned to him it was my birthday (and showed him my driver's licence to prove it), he immediately burst into song and sang Happy Birthday to me! It was a great moment and everyone else in the line sang along with him! He was so friendly and charming and the photographer snapped away as we spoke. Truly a very nice man.

Next I had my photo taken with John Leeson who was just as nice although seemed somewhat shy and reserved. He wished me a happy birthday as well however and seemed to really enjoy being there. I told him how I grew up watching his work as K-9 which he seemed delighted by - again a very genuine person.

After the photo session was finished after an hour it was time for Colin Baker to take his turn on the stage for a Q & A session. Over the course of the hour he revealed himself to be a person of great wit, warmth and heart and his many thoughts on the show proved totally fascinating. When someone asked him a question about the Big Finish audio adventures he begins to comment but unexpectedly asked for the video camera to be turned off. He then told of his displeasure at Tom Baker (Dr. No. 4) initially refusing to appear in the Big Finish productions and then later changing his mind when they became successful. I got the feeling Colin is not much of a Tom Baker fan - he told several audience members who wore the famous 'Tom Baker scarfe' to take them off before he answered their questions! All done in good humour - I think! After he spoke of this he then asked the camera to be turned back on!

The question I wanted to ask him was if he would appear in a 50th Anniversary story which would be made in 2013. He stated he felt it unlikely as the script would have to explain how they all now look so different and he would rather not be in something that felt so self-congratulatory. He did however state that Matt Smith is his favourite Doctor and loves his portrayal. He did relate an amusing tale of a naughty thing he did to Nicola Bryant (who played his companion Peri) - an incident one probably wouldn't get away with today! He seemed in fine form and was very engaging and funny to listen to. He stated at the end he was grateful for a smaller crowd and enjoying answering questions that weren't of the standard 'what's your favourite story' variety.

After lunch it was time for John Leeson to appear on stage. He took awhile to warm up and seemed slightly nervous at first but got into the swing of things eventually. He regaled some great stories and told how he got on very well with Tom Baker. He related an amusing tale of how they loved to do crosswords and when one day out on location Tom would be doing the crosswords in between filming with John being somewhere on the other side projecting K-9's voice though the mechanical prop. So when some passer-bys came along they happened to see the Doctor doing the crossword with K-9! John also revealed he also teaches a wine course at an English university and loved being in Adelaide for its glorious wines and would be off to Melbourne to visit the wine regions there. His Q & A session would prove to be delightful if less illuminating then Colin's but still fascinating nonetheless. Both actors mentioned their involvement in Blake's 7 and said they had a wonderful time in their respective roles.

When John finished Coin Baker once again came in the room and joined him for a combined Q & A session which would prove hilarious. Both have a nice sense of humor and happily answered more questions. John discussed his role in the Sarah Jane Adventures and the separate K-9 series which he loves doing. He revealed he is always the last to know when he'll appear in anything and usually finds out from friends or the newspapers! He also said a new season of K-9 would be shooting shortly. It was great seeing them together and made for a relaxed and candid atmosphere.

After this it was time for an autograph session which I again bought 2 photos at $30 each for them to sign. First I received John's autograph and he happily wrote "Greeting from K-9!' on the pic. I again stated I admired his work on the show which seemed to delight him.

Next was Colin Baker who remembered his singing from earlier in the day and wrote 'Happy Birthday' on his photo. He was lovely to talk to and it was nice knowing he was a charming person.

And that was it! A very long day concluded by about 4.00pm.

AFTERMATH

I'm very glad I went and it was a great way to spend my birthday. I was impressed with the format and felt the smaller setting suited the event perfectly. You really got to know the actors more and soak up the enthusiastic atmosphere better. In between the various sessions a video screen played several Dr. Who stories which was great to see. Well worth the $80 I paid for and I hope such an event comes here again soon - I'll be first in line for a ticket!