an adventure in space and time doctor who

Hartnell’s arteriosclerosis increasingly affected his ability to memorise his lines. His dedication to his younger audience is shown to be considerable, working in spite of his ailing health. Hartnell famously fluffed his lines a source of humour (“Check the fornicator”), but there’s also an element of charm, such as when Judy revises one of his errors (that the Doctor needs special gloves before he can touch the Daleks). It is heart-breaking knowing Verity’s decision to leave the show while Hartnell claims she’s the “rock” that supports him.

The palpable chemistry between Bradley and Jessica Raine lends poignancy to the proceedings. Bradley’s countenance is a particularly expressive one, as he deftly conveys Hartnell’s irritation and dissatisfaction at being typecast, but also his sentimental, affectionate side, such as his endearing relationship with his granddaughter Judy, and rapport with Verity Lambert. Hartnell is arguably an inimitable talent, which is not to dismiss Bradley’s interpretation, but rather to observe the strength of Hartnell as a character, with Bradley rising to the challenge the role presents. An Adventure in Space and Time recounts the show’s origins in a lyrical and captivating manner, with a commendable performance from David Bradley as Hartnell. We might also forget that such edifices, embedded in the popular consciousness as they are, as the TARDIS, the Daleks, and even the Doctor himself, wouldn’t exist were it not for the passion, commitment, and perseverance of the show’s original production team, and its principal actor, William Hartnell. But sometimes we might forget that the show as it is renowned today sprang from humble origins: to fill in a twenty-five minute gap in Saturday night television. Its longevity stems, in no small part, from its variety and creativity its ability to continually renew and reinvent itself without compromising its essential identity.

It goes without saying that Doctor Who has enriched many of our lives. Share on X (Twitter) Share on Facebook Share on Reddit Share on WhatsApp Share on E-mailĪdam James Cuthbert gives his verdict on the 50th anniversary docudrama.

An adventure in space and time doctor who