Australian Doctor Who fans can let out a sigh of relief, as they will finally be able to experience Doctor Who: Shada on the big screen, as BBC Worldwide ANZ and Sharmill Films have recently announced that a limited theatrical run of the completed and restored Doctor Who story that combines both original live-action footage and hand-drawn animation. Tom Baker will also return as the Fourth Doctor, as the voice behind his animated counterpart.
In 1979, Shada was meant to be act as the finale for the seventeenth series of Doctor Who. Writer Douglas Adams had completed the script as Tom Baker’s rendition of The Doctor was at the height of his popularity, with the series reaching bigger audiences than ever before. But due to strike action at the BBC in November 1979, the studio scenes were never completed and the project was abandoned.
Tom Baker commented, “Shada was one of my favourite Doctor Who stories. I have many fond memories of shooting the location scenes in Cambridge, and it was disappointing not to finish the story in studio. I’m so glad that BBC Worldwide have found a way to bring fans a complete visual version.”
Doctor Who: Shada will premiere in cinemas on November 24th . Information on participating cinemas and purchasing tickets for Doctor Who: Shada can be found at sharmillfilms.com.au.
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