BBC Announces An Adventure In Space And Time 

We finally have received further information about Mark Gatiss’ forthcoming film, An Adventure In Space And Time. Co-produced by BBC Cymru Wales and BBC America, Gatiss’ labor of love delves into the characters involved in creating the program and the legacy they left fifty years on.

Gatiss is serving as the writer/co-executive producer for the ninety minute production which will feature some familiar faces playing…familiar faces.

Announced casting features the York native David Bradley (of Harry Potter fame) as William Hartnell.  Bradley was seen earlier in Season Seven as Solomon in Dinosaurs On A Spaceship. Jessica Raine of Call The Midwife (soon to be seen in Doctor Who later this season) will play the iconic BBC producer Verity Lambert. Brian Cox will play Sydney Newman.  Director Waris Hussein will be played by Sacha Dahwan. Hussein directed the very first episode, An Unearthly Child.

The film is just one part of several planned events to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of Doctor Who. Shooting begins in February with further casting details to be revealed as filming commences.  Matt Strevens (Misfits), was brought in as a producer for this project. He joins director Terry McDonough (Breaking Bad)  along with Steven Moffat and Caroline Skinner who join Gatiss as executive producers.

An ecstatic Bradley spoke about his casting,

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.

BBC Link: http://www.bbc.co.uk/blogs/doctorwho/articles/David-Bradley-to-play-William-Hartnell-in-Celebration-of-Doctor-Who