Pop Culture: The David Burton 'Doctor Who'
- Thread starter DValdron
- Start date
RETCON!
Okay, originally this was set in 1991, following the Sylvester McCoy era. But... having done the Benedetti timeline, I'm inclined to revise it a bit.
The New Doctor now takes place in 1992, following the end of the Benedetti/Burdon/Grimwade era, and before the 1993 Dark Dimension special.
The BBC declines to renew it after the first and only season, and it's largely ignored thereafter.
However, Bob Baker and Paul Tams, in 1990, launch 'Sarah Jane and K9' at ITV. This is renewed for 1991.
In 1992, the same year as the new Doctor, ITV opts not to renew. Instead, Baker and Tam take their show to Australia, for two more seasons of 'Sarah Jane and K9,' in 1992 and 1993.
This actually has a Who precedent. Jon Pertwee, after Doctor Who, went on to do Worzel Gummidge, a series about an animated scarecrow. When it was cancelled in Britain, he managed to get it picked up and made in New Zealand.
But in 1994, ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) decides not to renew K9. The little robot dog, while Toyetic, is wearing out its welcome, and Liz Sladen is getting tired of playing second fiddle to a glorified prop.
Millennium Productions is largely defunct by this time, none of the principles, Burton, Bernard, Letts and Levine, are really speaking to each other. Levine is trying to negotiate a resolution to the debt. Bernard and Letts have moved on. But Burton is active on the convention circuit, mostly in the US. He runs across Sladen and they hit it off.
Sladen introduces Burton to Baker and Tams, who like his comic touch. They start talking about a partnership.
Millennium films reactivates, the principles coming together, albeit reluctantly, driven by the possibility of recovering some of their losses.
Millennium enters into a partnership with Baker and Tams outfit, to sell 'The New Doctor' to ABC, as a sequel to the K9 series.
By this time, Levine has withdrawn to a largely financial role, he has no intention of moving to Australia, or being involved in production. Letts has other commitments and is mostly a silent partner and advisor. So it's mainly Bernard and Burton.
At ABC's request, the BBC and BBC Enterprises agrees to let the original season air in Australia, but forbid the use of the 'New Doctor' title, or the use of the name 'Doctor.'
This problem is overcome when they retitle the series 'The Wanderer' after Benedetti's faux-Doctor character from Broken Doors.
The Wanderer was originally a series of American Public Television sketches by Barbara Benedetti, Randy Rogel and Ryan K. Johnson. When the BBC objected to their using the character of the Doctor, they simply went back to he original costume from Wrath of Eukor, and called the character the Wanderer. Baker and Tams provided the use of K9 and some of their monsters, and so ended up as part owners, of 'The Wanderer.' The Wanderer sketches were compiled together and relabeled Doctor Who, and presented as a 'lost Benedetti adventure' for Comic Relief in 1993.
Johnson and Burdon on behalf of Benedetti's estate agreed to allow use of the name 'Wanderer' so the series was retitled for showing in Australia, and references to Doctor were either edited out, silenced, or dubbed over.
ABC, however, decided that Liz Sladen is popular, and should be part of the new series. So additional scenes of her are filmed and edited into Monsters of Ness, expanding the production to three parts (not an improvement), an additional stand alone episode with Sladen and Burton was filmed to be inserted between Vienna 1913 and Secret of the Sontarans, there are additional scenes added to Volcano.
Ratings are lukewarm, but ABC, adds an additional six episodes. With cajoling from Burton and against their better judgement, the joint production agrees to follow up on the Volcano storyline as planned, with John Levene returning as Sub-Commander Benton, and Liz Sladen's character incorporated into the storyline. Citizen Vise is played by an Australian. The Sontarans are dropped for an 'alien' entirely owned by Baker's company.
This series more dramatic approach goes over well in the ratings. At the end of it, ABC opts for a renewed order of a third season of 12 episodes.
The series is retitled 'The Wanderer and Miss Smith' and is substantially retooled as an X-Files clone, the X-Files at the time being popular. No jaunts through time or space - the phone booth, while not explicitly retconned is treated as teleportation pod. The Wanderer possesses the ability or technology to enter any phone booth, with companions, and exit any other phone booth anywhere else. There are no 'bigger on the inside' scenes, and the Wanderer's home base is implied to be stationary (although accessible with phone booths). Although there are no more travels through time or space, aliens (mostly creations from the K9 series or new creations), displaced time travellers, and supernatural menaces appear in present day Australia.
Moderately successful as Australia's answer to the X-Files, a fourth season doesn't happen due to either act of god or breakdown of relationships among the principles, or financial disaster.
From a fannish point of view, the whole thing seriously confuses the canonicity of Doctor Who, vis a vis the K9 series, the New Doctor, and the Benedetti and Burton Wanderers.
That's the plan, and it should give me the chance to fill it in with some interesting story and backstage stuff.
Okay, originally this was set in 1991, following the Sylvester McCoy era. But... having done the Benedetti timeline, I'm inclined to revise it a bit.
The New Doctor now takes place in 1992, following the end of the Benedetti/Burdon/Grimwade era, and before the 1993 Dark Dimension special.
The BBC declines to renew it after the first and only season, and it's largely ignored thereafter.
However, Bob Baker and Paul Tams, in 1990, launch 'Sarah Jane and K9' at ITV. This is renewed for 1991.
In 1992, the same year as the new Doctor, ITV opts not to renew. Instead, Baker and Tam take their show to Australia, for two more seasons of 'Sarah Jane and K9,' in 1992 and 1993.
This actually has a Who precedent. Jon Pertwee, after Doctor Who, went on to do Worzel Gummidge, a series about an animated scarecrow. When it was cancelled in Britain, he managed to get it picked up and made in New Zealand.
But in 1994, ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation) decides not to renew K9. The little robot dog, while Toyetic, is wearing out its welcome, and Liz Sladen is getting tired of playing second fiddle to a glorified prop.
Millennium Productions is largely defunct by this time, none of the principles, Burton, Bernard, Letts and Levine, are really speaking to each other. Levine is trying to negotiate a resolution to the debt. Bernard and Letts have moved on. But Burton is active on the convention circuit, mostly in the US. He runs across Sladen and they hit it off.
Sladen introduces Burton to Baker and Tams, who like his comic touch. They start talking about a partnership.
Millennium films reactivates, the principles coming together, albeit reluctantly, driven by the possibility of recovering some of their losses.
Millennium enters into a partnership with Baker and Tams outfit, to sell 'The New Doctor' to ABC, as a sequel to the K9 series.
By this time, Levine has withdrawn to a largely financial role, he has no intention of moving to Australia, or being involved in production. Letts has other commitments and is mostly a silent partner and advisor. So it's mainly Bernard and Burton.
At ABC's request, the BBC and BBC Enterprises agrees to let the original season air in Australia, but forbid the use of the 'New Doctor' title, or the use of the name 'Doctor.'
This problem is overcome when they retitle the series 'The Wanderer' after Benedetti's faux-Doctor character from Broken Doors.
The Wanderer was originally a series of American Public Television sketches by Barbara Benedetti, Randy Rogel and Ryan K. Johnson. When the BBC objected to their using the character of the Doctor, they simply went back to he original costume from Wrath of Eukor, and called the character the Wanderer. Baker and Tams provided the use of K9 and some of their monsters, and so ended up as part owners, of 'The Wanderer.' The Wanderer sketches were compiled together and relabeled Doctor Who, and presented as a 'lost Benedetti adventure' for Comic Relief in 1993.
Johnson and Burdon on behalf of Benedetti's estate agreed to allow use of the name 'Wanderer' so the series was retitled for showing in Australia, and references to Doctor were either edited out, silenced, or dubbed over.
ABC, however, decided that Liz Sladen is popular, and should be part of the new series. So additional scenes of her are filmed and edited into Monsters of Ness, expanding the production to three parts (not an improvement), an additional stand alone episode with Sladen and Burton was filmed to be inserted between Vienna 1913 and Secret of the Sontarans, there are additional scenes added to Volcano.
Ratings are lukewarm, but ABC, adds an additional six episodes. With cajoling from Burton and against their better judgement, the joint production agrees to follow up on the Volcano storyline as planned, with John Levene returning as Sub-Commander Benton, and Liz Sladen's character incorporated into the storyline. Citizen Vise is played by an Australian. The Sontarans are dropped for an 'alien' entirely owned by Baker's company.
This series more dramatic approach goes over well in the ratings. At the end of it, ABC opts for a renewed order of a third season of 12 episodes.
The series is retitled 'The Wanderer and Miss Smith' and is substantially retooled as an X-Files clone, the X-Files at the time being popular. No jaunts through time or space - the phone booth, while not explicitly retconned is treated as teleportation pod. The Wanderer possesses the ability or technology to enter any phone booth, with companions, and exit any other phone booth anywhere else. There are no 'bigger on the inside' scenes, and the Wanderer's home base is implied to be stationary (although accessible with phone booths). Although there are no more travels through time or space, aliens (mostly creations from the K9 series or new creations), displaced time travellers, and supernatural menaces appear in present day Australia.
Moderately successful as Australia's answer to the X-Files, a fourth season doesn't happen due to either act of god or breakdown of relationships among the principles, or financial disaster.
From a fannish point of view, the whole thing seriously confuses the canonicity of Doctor Who, vis a vis the K9 series, the New Doctor, and the Benedetti and Burton Wanderers.
That's the plan, and it should give me the chance to fill it in with some interesting story and backstage stuff.
Confusion is my plan! One thing that's quite interesting is how rights issues can turn into a mess. Regarding Star Trek for instance, as I understand it the rights to the movies, to the television series, and to the Kelvan timeline movies are held by different groups.
Anyway, broad dates, here goes:
1984/1985 - Series 22 of Doctor Who Starring Colin Baker;
- Wrath of Eukor, starring Barbara Benedetti.
1985/1986 - Cancellation/Hiatus crisis, Season 23 junked
- Visions of Utomu, starring Barbara Benedetti,
1986 - Trial of a Time Lord, Colin Baker, guest starring Barbara Benedetti.
1987 - Benedetti's first official season as the Doctor
1988 - 25th Anniversary of Doctor Who, Kinescope project, City on the Edge...
1989 - Benedetti's 'troubled year', guest starring Liz Sladen, 'Cold War' serial is abandoned partway through.
- development begins on a BBC Liz Sladen/K9 replacement show.
- BBC license Nelvana for an animated series, first season.
1990 - Doctor Who reformatted to an ensemble show - the 'UNIT series'
- Second season of Nelvana, change of animation format.
- BBC drops K9. K9 is picked up by ITV, first season, major scandal.
1991 - Doctor Who reformatted to hour long drama.
- Benedetti reunites with Ryan K. Johnson for a series of Public Television sketches as 'The Wanderer'
- Second Series of K9 with ITV.
- Third and final series of the Nelvana Doctor Who cartoon,
1992 - Doctor Who on indefinite hiatus.
- The BBC licenses one season of a replacement show - 'The New Doctor' starring David Burton, of questionable canonicity.
- ITV drops K9. But Australian Broadcasting Company picks the show up, production relocates to Australia for a third series.
1993 - BBC declines to pick up the New Doctor for a second series, blocks sales efforts.
- BBC authorizes Dark Dimensions, starring Joanna Lumley and Tom Baker.
- Ryan Johnson compiles 'The Wanderer' sketches into 'Broken Doors', broadcast as a charity special billed as the Lost Doctor Who story.
- Ian Levine, stinging over involvement in The New Doctor, uses the partially shot 'Cold War' as the platform for a Benedetti story.
- K9's 2nd Australian season, and 4th season overall.
1994 - The New Doctor is purchased by Australia television and retitled 'The Wanderer', as a replacement for K9, two additional episodes added, along with the
unaired final brings it up to 12.
- No Doctor Who in England, but an amateur fan group called Timebase begins doing its own videos, starting with Regenesis, and Paradise in Chains.
1995 - Australia commissions second season of the New Doctor/Wanderer, but only six episodes.
- The BBC, disappointed by Amblin's failure to move, licenses Chris Boucher's company to produce a private series of 'Doctor Who' starring Rupert Booth,
1996 - The BBC and Fox Co-produce the Doctor Who movie starring McGann, as an attempted backdoor pilot. Fox declines to pick up the series.
- Inspired by the breakthrough of X-Files, as both a cult and mass market phenomenon, the Wanderer is reformatted as 'The Wanderer and Miss Smith'
1997 - Nothing happens anywhere.
1998 - As a result of the implosion of Sliders, Universal/Sci Fi picks up Doctor Who as a replacement series. Paul McGann is out. Robert Downey Jr. is the new Doctor.
1999 - 2nd series of the Sci Fi Channel Doctor Who with Downey.
- Comic Relief 'Curse of Fatal Death' - Rowan Atkinson, Lenny Henry, Joanna Lumley.
2000 - Nothing.
2001 - Nothing
2002 - Nothing.
2003-2004 - BBCi does its animated online series of Doctor Who, managing to produce three serials before the plus is pulled.
2005 - Doctor Who is relaunched at the BBC, Hugh Grant once again turns down the chance to play the Doctor, role goes to Ecclestone.
Well, as far as the Doctor who timeline goes, its very simple!
We start with Colin Baker, right?
Baker regenerates into Lenny Henry, who plays the Doctor in a series of sketches, but is almost certainly a non-canonical Doctor, or possibly an alternate.
Colin possibly regenerates into Benedetti, it's not clear what happens exactly, but she's the next... although its possible that she might be a regeneration from the end of the Doctors life, moved forward in the line.
Benedetti's fan films may be canon for Benedetti, or maybe not, depends on which fan you're talking to, and how much of a BBC purist. It doesn't help that the official BBC series referred to the fan film adventures.
Benedetti is succeeded by Joanna Lumley, who may be either a new regeneration, or an alternate version of the Benedetti Doctor. She appears first in the Nightmare Machine as an alternate version of Benedetti, but the issue is fudged for her appearances in Dark Dimensions and Curse of Fatal Death.
The ITV K9 may be in continuity with Doctor Who. Or it may be a separate continuity. Again, depends on how much of a BBC purist. But there's a lot of free borrowing from the BBC show, and some references.
The Australian K9 series is even more tricky. A lot of the Doctor Who elements were shed and the series was revised somewhat. So there's debate over whether the Australian K9 is in continuity with the ITV K9. So either they're all part of Doctor Who continuity, or only the ITV series, or they're three different continuities.
Benedetti's Wanderer features the Australian K9 and Australian series Monsters, so there's a theory that the Wanderer is actually in continuity not with Doctor Who, but with either the K9 ITV/Australian series, or just the Australian K9 series only.
The adoption of the Wanderer for the Comic Relief broadcast in England, and the re-edit as Doctor Who may have made it part of Doctor Who continuity, and may have dragged the K9 series in through the back door. Or it may be non-canon.
Levine's 'Cold War' mash up is generally considered unofficial, notwithstanding that it, like Shada, is a reconstruction of BBC produced footage. It is, however, the only production featuring Benedetti's death scene. Given Levine's connection to it and the New Doctor, some consider it to be the continuity link between the Benedetti Doctor and the New Doctor. Others just consider it in the New Doctor timeline, separate from the main canon. Others consider it completely stand alone. Around this time, Levine was also separately involved in Downtime, a semi-official production featuring Sarah Jane (but not K9), the Brigadier, Great Intelligence and Yet, so some consider this part of a 'Levine-verse.'
Dark Dimensions is definitely in continuity with the official canonical BBC series, although that still doesn't explain what Lumley is.
David Burton considers himself a canonical Doctor, through both the 'New Doctor' but not everyone agrees with him. We never see him regenerate from an existing Doctor, or regenerate into another Doctor. So it's up in the air. He might be the next regeneration after the Benedetti Doctor, or Benedetti/Lumley Doctors. Or an alternate continuity.
Australia's pick up and re-labelling the New Doctor as the Wanderer may be the same continuity as Benedetti's Wanderer, particularly given the connections both have to the Australian K9 series. But it's not clear that the New Doctor is actually good continuity with the Wanderer, particularly given the additional footage and editing to the season of the New Doctor. Complicating this is that the final season of the Wanderer is dramatically reformatted as an 'X-Files' show. It's entirely possible that David Burton is not in continuity with himself - he may have three separate continuities (The New Doctor, the Wanderer 1 and 2, and Wanderer 3) any, all, or none of which may or may not be in continuity with Doctor Who, Benedetti's Wanderer, K9 ITV/Australia or K9 Australia or some combination.
Rupert Booth is generally considered a canonical Doctor, although purists disagree given that his Doctor was a licensed production, much like the New Doctor. There is also debate over the canonicity of Timebase's fan films starring the Booth Doctor.
The McGann Doctor is completely, solidly, definitively, utterly canonical. For sure. Everyone agrees. We mean it. Except for the Half Human part. This was an official BBC co-production, not a licensed production.
The Robert Downey Jr. Doctor was also definitely canonical, despite being a licensed production. Until Downey got in trouble with heroin and firearms and stuff. At that point, he became retroactively non-canonical.
The Curse of Fatal Death was non-canonical, notwithstanding Lumley's presence. Curse may represent an alternate timeline. In the alternate timeline theory, Curse is in continuity with the Nightmare Machine, where Lumley appears as an alternate version of the Benedetti Doctor, but not in continuity with Dark Dimension.
Because of references to the New Doctor embedded in the script (the New Doctor had a few fans), Curse may actually be in continuity with the New Doctor, but that poses a crazy new set of questions, given that it implies that the New Doctor is the Lumley Doctor's past. This has lead to a fan theory that the since the New Doctor follows the Benedetti Doctor, but is followed by the Lumley Doctor, then the Benedetti and Lumley Doctors aren't alternate versions of each other, but separate regenerations, with the New Doctor (and possibly other Doctors) in between.
Maurice LaMarche's Nelvana Doctor is generally considered non-canonical. Unless someone wants to argue.
The BBC considered the Richard E. Grant animated Doctor to be canonical.... until they relaunched the series in 2005 with Russell T. Davies. At which point Russell decided it was non-canonical. Almost everyone accepts this. Among those that do not, there is some argument as to whether the Grant Doctor might be in continuity with the LaMarche Doctor, since they're both animated series, but this is considered frivolous. Arguing that the Grant Doctor is in canon to 'anything' is actually a parlour game for a certain segment of fandom.
The lack of canonicity or continuity of the Grant Doctor took a blow, when the same actor who played the Master in the animated series played the Master briefly in the new series.
One of the crazier fan theories floating around concerns the Ecclestone Doctor's outfit in the new series - a leather coat, almost identical to the one worn by Lenny Henry through his five appearances. Some fans argue that this means the Ecclestone Doctor has regenerated from the Henry Doctor, and that some or all of the Henry Doctor's appearances are canonical main line. The BBC has, due to the racial politics involved, tried to avoid this subject. But Russell T. Davies is on record as saying that the coats are a complete coincidence. Lenny Henry has publicly speculated. And Christopher Ecclestone claims that it was deliberate, at times he's suggested that his Doctor regenerates from Henry's, but he's usually joking.
Overall, the new series tries not to get into it. As far as the new series is concerned, the Classic Series up to around 1986 is definitely canon, McGann is canon, Benedetti is probably canon, Dark Dimensions may be canon, and everything else is no comment.... except for the Downey Doctor, who is definitely not canon, because of that whole heroin thing.
So there you have it - one single unbroken symmetrical Doctor Who continuity! Or possibly as many as 18 different timelines, with considerable debate as to which is in what. But completely simple!
Aren't you glad you asked?
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Wow, I didn't think anybody could do it- you've managed to make Doctor Who's relationship with canon and continuity even more of a mess than in OTL.
The ATL version of Doctor Who: The Complete Adventures must be a pretty interesting read.
The ATL version of Doctor Who: The Complete Adventures must be a pretty interesting read.
The Monsters of Ness, by James Kyle....
Hi Everyone,
It's me again. You know, every now and then I think about coming back and doing yet another Doctor Who Alternate History. I've only beaten the subject into a horrible pulp after all. Typically, the ones that interest me most are going back and doing the Peter Cushing Doctor Who timeline right... I think I've got a handle on it, and the current version is a mess, and doing a Lenny Henry 'The Angry Black Doctor' history, or a history of the Trevor Martin 'Doctor Who Onstage' era.
I may never get around to it. Honestly, it's a really obscure corner of alternate history, which itself is an obscure corner of spec fic. And I'm pretty happy with most of the stuff here.
So anyway, why am I here.
Covid-19.
Apparently, Covid-19 was really tough on a fellow named James Kyle, and to keep from going mad, he ran across my David Burton timeline, and decided to do the story outlines as full fledged scripts. I think he may have been late.
Anyway, I ran across him as he indulged this wonderfully mad project, and I loved his work. He even does the VHS covers for the stories. So I just had to share his amazing work. If you ever wanted to really watch The New Doctor starring David Burton.... well, I can't help you. But this is as close as it's possible to come....
It's me again. You know, every now and then I think about coming back and doing yet another Doctor Who Alternate History. I've only beaten the subject into a horrible pulp after all. Typically, the ones that interest me most are going back and doing the Peter Cushing Doctor Who timeline right... I think I've got a handle on it, and the current version is a mess, and doing a Lenny Henry 'The Angry Black Doctor' history, or a history of the Trevor Martin 'Doctor Who Onstage' era.
I may never get around to it. Honestly, it's a really obscure corner of alternate history, which itself is an obscure corner of spec fic. And I'm pretty happy with most of the stuff here.
So anyway, why am I here.
Covid-19.
Apparently, Covid-19 was really tough on a fellow named James Kyle, and to keep from going mad, he ran across my David Burton timeline, and decided to do the story outlines as full fledged scripts. I think he may have been late.
Anyway, I ran across him as he indulged this wonderfully mad project, and I loved his work. He even does the VHS covers for the stories. So I just had to share his amazing work. If you ever wanted to really watch The New Doctor starring David Burton.... well, I can't help you. But this is as close as it's possible to come....
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Vienna 1913
Hello Again. James Kyle has released Vienna 1913. The legendary, three episode serial of the David Burton era, featuring Hitler! Stalin! Trotsky! Tito! Freud! Guest starring The Archduke as Himself. Plus Killer Robots and criminals from the Future! The serial that almost wrecked the rest of the series!
Second Season
Hello again!
The prolific and irrepressible James Kyle has gone above and beyond. He's written a second season of The New Doctor, which is just grand.
In the first season, the mismatched crew that was Millennium Productions had lucked out, and managed to produce a pilot that had gotten them a series order from the BBC. Inexperiences, idealistic, learning as they went, and fraught with difficult personalities, the production had lurched from crisis to crisis, somehow managing to finish its commitment while practically imploding, the various members unwilling to even speak to each other. Years later, there's reconciliation and redemption.
Well, James has taken up where Millennium ended up, with neither David Burton nor Ian Levine quite willing to give it up. The BBC offered to buy a reduced second series. Proceedings backstage were even more catastrophic, with Levine going from wildcard to full on disaster. But front stage, James has written another series of amazing stories, specifically:
David Burton is The New Doctor: The Pirates of Penance | The Doctor Who Forum at Gallifrey Base
1715, the Doctor and his Companions are having a 'vacation' working their way on a french galleon across the Caribbean, when they're captured by a pirate ship crewed by ....Autons? Meanwhile, a flashback story weaves in and out, revealing how the Doctor met Heart and Diamond, and how the Tardis changed its shape, while in orbit around Gauda Prime. Includes a Blake's 7 crossover.
David Burton is The New Doctor: Heartbreak | The Doctor Who Forum at Gallifrey Base
Mister Vise is back, played by a curly haired young Stephen Fry, wearing an all too familiar scarf.
David Burton is The New Doctor: Battle Toad | The Doctor Who Forum at Gallifrey Base
A small town in rural England has been protected for centuries by a strange guardian from another world.
David Burton is The New Doctor: Debts Owed | The Doctor Who Forum at Gallifrey Base
The return of Diamond, Heart, Benton Senior, the Primords from Volcano, the chameleons from the Faceless Ones and of course Mister Vise in his newest incarnation, facing off against the Doctor for the fate of the Universe.
Full scripts or transcripts, the dialogue and characters sing in your mind as you read them. It's almost like watching a Doctor Who series from some alternative universe. Kyle brings the Burton Doctor and his Companions to life and imbues them with genuine warmth and emotion. He gives us a unique Doctor, not the superhuman juggernauts of the classic era - Tennant, Smith and Capaldi. The Burton Doctor isn't as smart as he thinks he is, although he's the smartest one in the room, he relies on luck almost as much as charm, and his innate humour, decency and companions manage to carry him through the day. He's almost a less arrogant version of Tom Baker, a Peter Davison with the sulkiness, a Jon Pertwee without the anger. The Burton Doctor wanders amiably through the time and space always somehow managing to muddle through. It's brilliant.
If you're a Doctor Who fan, I recommend checking out James Kyle's work. Start with the Burton first season, read the Burton second season, then just go and read everything he's ever written. You won't be disappointed.
As for myself, I'm just about inspired to write the backstage of more of the The New Doctor.
The prolific and irrepressible James Kyle has gone above and beyond. He's written a second season of The New Doctor, which is just grand.
In the first season, the mismatched crew that was Millennium Productions had lucked out, and managed to produce a pilot that had gotten them a series order from the BBC. Inexperiences, idealistic, learning as they went, and fraught with difficult personalities, the production had lurched from crisis to crisis, somehow managing to finish its commitment while practically imploding, the various members unwilling to even speak to each other. Years later, there's reconciliation and redemption.
Well, James has taken up where Millennium ended up, with neither David Burton nor Ian Levine quite willing to give it up. The BBC offered to buy a reduced second series. Proceedings backstage were even more catastrophic, with Levine going from wildcard to full on disaster. But front stage, James has written another series of amazing stories, specifically:
David Burton is The New Doctor: The Pirates of Penance | The Doctor Who Forum at Gallifrey Base
1715, the Doctor and his Companions are having a 'vacation' working their way on a french galleon across the Caribbean, when they're captured by a pirate ship crewed by ....Autons? Meanwhile, a flashback story weaves in and out, revealing how the Doctor met Heart and Diamond, and how the Tardis changed its shape, while in orbit around Gauda Prime. Includes a Blake's 7 crossover.
David Burton is The New Doctor: Heartbreak | The Doctor Who Forum at Gallifrey Base
Mister Vise is back, played by a curly haired young Stephen Fry, wearing an all too familiar scarf.
David Burton is The New Doctor: Battle Toad | The Doctor Who Forum at Gallifrey Base
A small town in rural England has been protected for centuries by a strange guardian from another world.
David Burton is The New Doctor: Debts Owed | The Doctor Who Forum at Gallifrey Base
The return of Diamond, Heart, Benton Senior, the Primords from Volcano, the chameleons from the Faceless Ones and of course Mister Vise in his newest incarnation, facing off against the Doctor for the fate of the Universe.
Full scripts or transcripts, the dialogue and characters sing in your mind as you read them. It's almost like watching a Doctor Who series from some alternative universe. Kyle brings the Burton Doctor and his Companions to life and imbues them with genuine warmth and emotion. He gives us a unique Doctor, not the superhuman juggernauts of the classic era - Tennant, Smith and Capaldi. The Burton Doctor isn't as smart as he thinks he is, although he's the smartest one in the room, he relies on luck almost as much as charm, and his innate humour, decency and companions manage to carry him through the day. He's almost a less arrogant version of Tom Baker, a Peter Davison with the sulkiness, a Jon Pertwee without the anger. The Burton Doctor wanders amiably through the time and space always somehow managing to muddle through. It's brilliant.
If you're a Doctor Who fan, I recommend checking out James Kyle's work. Start with the Burton first season, read the Burton second season, then just go and read everything he's ever written. You won't be disappointed.
As for myself, I'm just about inspired to write the backstage of more of the The New Doctor.
Third Series - Crash of the Titans
Crash of the Titans.
October, 1995. Los Angeles, USA
David Burton stepped out of the taxi and looked around. It was a comfortable, middle class neighborhood of bungalows. He must be doing well for himself, he thought to himself. He took a moment to check himself in the taxi’s side mirror. A little rumpled, but no missing buttons, no loose threads, reasonably groomed. He grimaced, flashing his teeth. Always check the teeth, you don’t walk into an audition with a bit of lettuce caught up there.
He paid the driver, a hispanic man with a soft voice.
“No tip?” the man complained.
Burton shrugged his shoulders and smiled apologetically. Trying to fix the accent in mind.
“I’m a little short,” he said.
“Pendejo,” the man said genially.
Burton relaxed a little. The car drove off. Burton turned back to the house. He squared his shoulders, took a deep breath, and putting a deliberate spring in his step, strode up the walkway and rang the doorbell.
A moment later, the door opened, a tall white haired man appeared.
Burton stuck out his hand.
“Terry Nation, I presume!” Burton said dramatically.
Nation took it, smiling.
“Well, well, well,” he replied, “the New Doctor Who himself!”
“Just the New Doctor,” Burton said. “The BBC is quite strict about that.”
Nation chuckled.
“Well,” he winked, “I don’t think they’re listening in. Come on in. We’ll chat in my office.”
As they wandered down the hallway, Burton glanced at the framed pictures of Nation with various celebrities and props, Forrest J. Ackerman, Richard Dean Anderson, Tom Baker. Nation lead him to a large room piled high with papers, scripts, ledgers, loose paper was strewn around everywhere. He pulled loose a pile of papers from a chair and waved to Burton.
“Sit please,” he said, “can I have the wife get you a cup of tea.”
“That would be lovely,” Burton beamed. “It’s hard to get good tea over here.”
Nation nodded. For a second, there was an awkward silence.
“So... Terry Nation!” Burton said, “the biggest man in British science fiction, creator of the Daleks, Blake’s Seven, Survivors, McGuyver.”
“Not quite,” Nation corrected. “I didn’t create McGuyver, I just wrote some episodes, produced some.”
“Still an accomplishment,” Burton said. “Quite a career.”
He looked around.
“I figured I’d see a Dalek about somewhere. Are they in the shed?”
“No,” Nation replied, “I used to have a few, but I left them back in England when I moved out here. They take up a lot of space you know. Didn’t really need them.”
The tea arrived. Burton was introduced. Pleasantries were exchanged, and then Misses Nation left.
“I didn’t come at a bad time, did I?”
“Oh no,” Nation replied. “Paul mentioned you’d be dropping by today.”
“Lovely fellow,” Burton replied. “I saw him just before I left. He sends his regards.”
“I spoke to him this morning actually,” Nation replied.
Burton shifted in his chair awkwardly. For a second, he kicked his foot out. Nation glanced down, and Burton placed his shoe flat. He hoped that Nation hadn’t caught the hole in his shoe.
“So what are you doing out this way?” Nation asked. “Thinking of relocating?”
“Convention,” Burton replied.
“Ahh,” Nation said.
“Quite a thing these conventions. They pay air fair, hotel, meals, a stipend, apparently I’m quite in demand. I’ve been to so many, I hardly sleep in my own bed. Quite a thing they are.”
“Quite a thing,” Nation agreed, smiling.
“Indeed.”
“I’ve been to a few, I find them exhausting. It’s hard to schedule conventions around a busy workload I find. I imagine it must be the same for you, working actor and all, between auditions and roles, it must be hard to find the time.”
“True,” Burton said. “But it’s for the fans. And it keeps the show alive.”
“True,” Nation agreed.
“And since I was here, I thought I might drop by to apologise in person,” Burton said, “about that whole Blake’s Seven thing.”
Nation waved it away.
“We all thought it was on the up and up. We had no idea... Ian Levine.... It was just a mistake.”
Nation shrugged.
“Don’t even think of it, it all got sorted out, no one’s the worse for wear.”
“Still, it’s awkward,” Burton said. “Levine...”
“No worries,” Nation replied. “I know the type.”
There was another moment of silence.
“So...” Burton said, “how’s California treating you?”
“Quite well,” Nation replied. “The weather’s certainly an improvement over dreary old Egland, and there’s alway something going on.”
“Very picturesque.”
“The only thing I don’t like is the politics. I don’t know if you follow over there, but it’s quite disgraceful. Witch hunts, this toxic bile that spews from the nightly news. Vile characters like Limbaugh, it’s like they infect their listeners with ugliness. You can’t even turn it off, it’s everywhere.”
“Doesn’t sound pleasant,” Burton replied.
“I try not to dwell on it. It’s quite busy, sending out proposals, projects, reading scrips, taking meetings. A lot of irons in the fire, here and at home. Paul and I, for instance, we’re working on a Blake’s Seven revival.”
“Well now’s the time for it,” Burton agreed.
“Yes,” Nation said. “We think so. How’s the New Doctor?”
“Finished our second series,” Burton said. “Went quite well. We’re all taking a bit of a break, but I’m looking forward to picking up the traces again.”
“I’m sorry,” Nation said, “we don’t get it out here. I haven’t had the chance to go looking for it.”
“In that case,” Burton said, “it’s brilliant. A heartbreaking work of pure genius.”
Both men laughed.
“When did you finish the second series?” Nation asked.
“A while ago. We all decided to take a break before coming back to it. Lately, I’ve been doing work with a William Baggs, but we’ve parted company.”
Nation nodded.
David took a breath and decided to go for it.
“Actually,” he said, “that’s why I’m here.”
“Indeed?”
“Yes,” Burton said, “we’ve had some changes in our partnerships.”
“Unfortunate,” Nation said, “and this is the cause of the delay?”
“Somewhat.” Burton rushed on. “Anyway, there’s an opening, and we thought, with your background, that you would be a perfect fit, as... Producer... Executive Producer.”
Burton’s heart was racing.
Nation nodded.
“Interested?” Burton almost squeaked it out.
“Very.”
Burton felt a palpable sense of relief, of tension draining out of him.
“So tell me,” Nation asked, “do you have the financing in place?”
Just like that, the tension was back.
“It’s coming together,” Burton replied with what he hoped was easy confidence. Sweat was breaking out under his shirt.
“Excellent,” said Nation. “Well, when it does come together, let me know. I’d be thrilled to work with you David. Paul has said such positive things about you.”
“Terrific,” Burton replied, his smile was strained.
“Indeed,” Nation said, “I’m happy to lend my name to the project, feel free to do so... Calling me first of course. This is certainly something I would enjoy participating in.”
Nation checked his watch.
“Oh,” he said, “look at the time, I’m afraid I’ve got a call coming in.”
“Ah,” said Burton, “I guess I should be going.”
“We’ll call you a cab,” Nation said.
He made the call, while Burton sat quietly, looking casually around the office at pictures. None of them were recent, he realized. It was all 1980's and earlier. The two men made small talk, waiting for the cab, exchanging stories of the old days, reminiscing about shared acquaintance.
“I should give Barry Letts a call,” Nation said. “He’s with your group right? Millennium.”
Burton blushed.
“He’s moved on, actually,” Burton said sweating a bit. “Taking some time off.”
Nation nodded.
The cab arrived.
“Uhm,” Burton began, “this is a bit awkward?”
“Yes?”
“All this travelling...” he hemmed, “back and forth, I’m afraid I’ve gotten a bit mixed up and...”
“Yes?”
“I’m a bit short of American cash. Could I borrow a few dollars for the cab? I’ll ensure...”
Nation waved airily.
“Don’t worry about it. It’s been a pleasure, and it’s the least I could do after you came all the way out to see me.”
Nation reached into his pocket for his walled. David Burton felt relief. He wasn’t sure he could navigate the city’s bus system.
“Thank you.”
Just before David left the house, he turned back to Nation.
“I hope your revival with Paul goes very well.”
“Thank you, we’ve got great hopes.”
“Is the financing in place yet,” Burton asked, and then tried to bite back the question.
Terry Nation’s smile was rueful.
“It’s coming together,” he replied.
The two men shook hands, and Nation watched David Burton make his way down the walk to the cab, get in and drive off.
Terry Nation shut the door and kicked off his shoes. As he did, one tumbled over exposing the holes in its sole. Nation looked down at his big toe sticking out the hole in the sock and sighed
Then he padded back to his office, and returned to the task of trying to make a living.
October, 1995. Los Angeles, USA
David Burton stepped out of the taxi and looked around. It was a comfortable, middle class neighborhood of bungalows. He must be doing well for himself, he thought to himself. He took a moment to check himself in the taxi’s side mirror. A little rumpled, but no missing buttons, no loose threads, reasonably groomed. He grimaced, flashing his teeth. Always check the teeth, you don’t walk into an audition with a bit of lettuce caught up there.
He paid the driver, a hispanic man with a soft voice.
“No tip?” the man complained.
Burton shrugged his shoulders and smiled apologetically. Trying to fix the accent in mind.
“I’m a little short,” he said.
“Pendejo,” the man said genially.
Burton relaxed a little. The car drove off. Burton turned back to the house. He squared his shoulders, took a deep breath, and putting a deliberate spring in his step, strode up the walkway and rang the doorbell.
A moment later, the door opened, a tall white haired man appeared.
Burton stuck out his hand.
“Terry Nation, I presume!” Burton said dramatically.
Nation took it, smiling.
“Well, well, well,” he replied, “the New Doctor Who himself!”
“Just the New Doctor,” Burton said. “The BBC is quite strict about that.”
Nation chuckled.
“Well,” he winked, “I don’t think they’re listening in. Come on in. We’ll chat in my office.”
As they wandered down the hallway, Burton glanced at the framed pictures of Nation with various celebrities and props, Forrest J. Ackerman, Richard Dean Anderson, Tom Baker. Nation lead him to a large room piled high with papers, scripts, ledgers, loose paper was strewn around everywhere. He pulled loose a pile of papers from a chair and waved to Burton.
“Sit please,” he said, “can I have the wife get you a cup of tea.”
“That would be lovely,” Burton beamed. “It’s hard to get good tea over here.”
Nation nodded. For a second, there was an awkward silence.
“So... Terry Nation!” Burton said, “the biggest man in British science fiction, creator of the Daleks, Blake’s Seven, Survivors, McGuyver.”
“Not quite,” Nation corrected. “I didn’t create McGuyver, I just wrote some episodes, produced some.”
“Still an accomplishment,” Burton said. “Quite a career.”
He looked around.
“I figured I’d see a Dalek about somewhere. Are they in the shed?”
“No,” Nation replied, “I used to have a few, but I left them back in England when I moved out here. They take up a lot of space you know. Didn’t really need them.”
The tea arrived. Burton was introduced. Pleasantries were exchanged, and then Misses Nation left.
“I didn’t come at a bad time, did I?”
“Oh no,” Nation replied. “Paul mentioned you’d be dropping by today.”
“Lovely fellow,” Burton replied. “I saw him just before I left. He sends his regards.”
“I spoke to him this morning actually,” Nation replied.
Burton shifted in his chair awkwardly. For a second, he kicked his foot out. Nation glanced down, and Burton placed his shoe flat. He hoped that Nation hadn’t caught the hole in his shoe.
“So what are you doing out this way?” Nation asked. “Thinking of relocating?”
“Convention,” Burton replied.
“Ahh,” Nation said.
“Quite a thing these conventions. They pay air fair, hotel, meals, a stipend, apparently I’m quite in demand. I’ve been to so many, I hardly sleep in my own bed. Quite a thing they are.”
“Quite a thing,” Nation agreed, smiling.
“Indeed.”
“I’ve been to a few, I find them exhausting. It’s hard to schedule conventions around a busy workload I find. I imagine it must be the same for you, working actor and all, between auditions and roles, it must be hard to find the time.”
“True,” Burton said. “But it’s for the fans. And it keeps the show alive.”
“True,” Nation agreed.
“And since I was here, I thought I might drop by to apologise in person,” Burton said, “about that whole Blake’s Seven thing.”
Nation waved it away.
“We all thought it was on the up and up. We had no idea... Ian Levine.... It was just a mistake.”
Nation shrugged.
“Don’t even think of it, it all got sorted out, no one’s the worse for wear.”
“Still, it’s awkward,” Burton said. “Levine...”
“No worries,” Nation replied. “I know the type.”
There was another moment of silence.
“So...” Burton said, “how’s California treating you?”
“Quite well,” Nation replied. “The weather’s certainly an improvement over dreary old Egland, and there’s alway something going on.”
“Very picturesque.”
“The only thing I don’t like is the politics. I don’t know if you follow over there, but it’s quite disgraceful. Witch hunts, this toxic bile that spews from the nightly news. Vile characters like Limbaugh, it’s like they infect their listeners with ugliness. You can’t even turn it off, it’s everywhere.”
“Doesn’t sound pleasant,” Burton replied.
“I try not to dwell on it. It’s quite busy, sending out proposals, projects, reading scrips, taking meetings. A lot of irons in the fire, here and at home. Paul and I, for instance, we’re working on a Blake’s Seven revival.”
“Well now’s the time for it,” Burton agreed.
“Yes,” Nation said. “We think so. How’s the New Doctor?”
“Finished our second series,” Burton said. “Went quite well. We’re all taking a bit of a break, but I’m looking forward to picking up the traces again.”
“I’m sorry,” Nation said, “we don’t get it out here. I haven’t had the chance to go looking for it.”
“In that case,” Burton said, “it’s brilliant. A heartbreaking work of pure genius.”
Both men laughed.
“When did you finish the second series?” Nation asked.
“A while ago. We all decided to take a break before coming back to it. Lately, I’ve been doing work with a William Baggs, but we’ve parted company.”
Nation nodded.
David took a breath and decided to go for it.
“Actually,” he said, “that’s why I’m here.”
“Indeed?”
“Yes,” Burton said, “we’ve had some changes in our partnerships.”
“Unfortunate,” Nation said, “and this is the cause of the delay?”
“Somewhat.” Burton rushed on. “Anyway, there’s an opening, and we thought, with your background, that you would be a perfect fit, as... Producer... Executive Producer.”
Burton’s heart was racing.
Nation nodded.
“Interested?” Burton almost squeaked it out.
“Very.”
Burton felt a palpable sense of relief, of tension draining out of him.
“So tell me,” Nation asked, “do you have the financing in place?”
Just like that, the tension was back.
“It’s coming together,” Burton replied with what he hoped was easy confidence. Sweat was breaking out under his shirt.
“Excellent,” said Nation. “Well, when it does come together, let me know. I’d be thrilled to work with you David. Paul has said such positive things about you.”
“Terrific,” Burton replied, his smile was strained.
“Indeed,” Nation said, “I’m happy to lend my name to the project, feel free to do so... Calling me first of course. This is certainly something I would enjoy participating in.”
Nation checked his watch.
“Oh,” he said, “look at the time, I’m afraid I’ve got a call coming in.”
“Ah,” said Burton, “I guess I should be going.”
“We’ll call you a cab,” Nation said.
He made the call, while Burton sat quietly, looking casually around the office at pictures. None of them were recent, he realized. It was all 1980's and earlier. The two men made small talk, waiting for the cab, exchanging stories of the old days, reminiscing about shared acquaintance.
“I should give Barry Letts a call,” Nation said. “He’s with your group right? Millennium.”
Burton blushed.
“He’s moved on, actually,” Burton said sweating a bit. “Taking some time off.”
Nation nodded.
The cab arrived.
“Uhm,” Burton began, “this is a bit awkward?”
“Yes?”
“All this travelling...” he hemmed, “back and forth, I’m afraid I’ve gotten a bit mixed up and...”
“Yes?”
“I’m a bit short of American cash. Could I borrow a few dollars for the cab? I’ll ensure...”
Nation waved airily.
“Don’t worry about it. It’s been a pleasure, and it’s the least I could do after you came all the way out to see me.”
Nation reached into his pocket for his walled. David Burton felt relief. He wasn’t sure he could navigate the city’s bus system.
“Thank you.”
Just before David left the house, he turned back to Nation.
“I hope your revival with Paul goes very well.”
“Thank you, we’ve got great hopes.”
“Is the financing in place yet,” Burton asked, and then tried to bite back the question.
Terry Nation’s smile was rueful.
“It’s coming together,” he replied.
The two men shook hands, and Nation watched David Burton make his way down the walk to the cab, get in and drive off.
Terry Nation shut the door and kicked off his shoes. As he did, one tumbled over exposing the holes in its sole. Nation looked down at his big toe sticking out the hole in the sock and sighed
Then he padded back to his office, and returned to the task of trying to make a living.
Last edited:
Third Series - David has lunch with his Agent
June, 1994, London, England
“He’ll have a glass of water, thank you,” Nigel said smoothly. “It’s a health thing.”
Burton looked surprised, and a little nervous.
“So,” he said with forced joviality, “anything in the wind. It’s been a while, and the rent’s coming due. I’d like to get working soon.”
“Nothing, I’m afraid,” Nigel replied.
“Well,” Burton paused. “I think that’s a sign we’ve been a little narrow in our outlook. True, I’ve starred in two series, but that doesn’t mean I have let it go to my head.” He forced a laugh. “No small parts, only small actors, that’s what I always so. I’ve always fancied myself more a character actor, making my fellow actors look good, that’s the thing...”
“David,” Nigel replied. “There’s nothing.”
“And by nothing, you mean?”
“Nothing. No television roles, no film roles, no large parts, no small parts, no walk on parts, no extras, body doubles, stage roles, community theatre, pantomimes, nothing. There’s no work for you. There’s no interest in you. I can’t find you anything, there’s nothing to be found.”
“Ahh,” said David leaning back. The waiter brought water. He thanked him and took a sip.
“Times are tough everywhere I guess. The whole industry’s in a slump. But mark my words, it will be roaring back and–“
“David, the industry is not in a slump.”
“I see,” David said. He looked concerned. “I think—“
“David, before you say anything, just forget it. No one is hiring you.”
“That’s a little harsh. The actor’s life has ups and downs. But I’m still quite popular. I was just at an appearance the other day, and I have offers to attend conventions in the United States.”
“David,” Nigel said, “your career now consists of selling signed photographs to anoraks bent on misusing their allowances. How long is that going to last? It’s been a year or two since the New Doctor closed, fans are fickle. How long before you’re the one paying to get them to accept your pictures? Another year or two? Everyone will have moved on, and you’ll be forgotten. They’re already forgetting.”
David was silent for a second.
“That’s more than a little harsh,” he said quietly.
“I find it best to be honest in these matters. “The truth is, David, that it went a step too far. Your first series as the New Doctor established your career, we saw some future in representing you. The second series has been unfortunate.”
“It’s still two series of the New Doctor,” David said, “we put out some good episodes, and on time. We did quite well, particularly for the resources.”
“Regardless,” Nigel replied, “the second series production was troubled.”
“We had some difficulties with some people,” David admitted.
“The phrases bandied about were ‘catastrophic,’ ‘shambolic,’ ‘inept,’ ‘a lurching disaster,’ a ‘quicksand of incompetence.’ Those are the nice things people are saying, David. The fact is that while you can be congratulated for getting anything done, the New Doctor’s production troubles have been the focus of quite a bit of attention.”
Nigel paused, “Everyone has to stop and watch a car crash.”
“At least we got it done,” David said sullenly. “I would expect that there’d be a little respect for that. Overcoming the odds and all.”
“I respect that,” Nigel said soothingly. “But the fact of the matter, David, is that the production has made you quite famous in the business, in the worst possible way, and now no one is going to touch you with a ten foot pole.”
“I’m still working. I’m doing a project with William Baggs.”
“Yes,” Nigel replied. “Bill and Ben’s Video vanity. That’s not helping your reputation, although I dare say, nothing could harm it further.”
“What about Hinchcliff or Maloney,” David said, “are they in the same boat? Levine?”
“David Maloney, Paul, Barry, Philip,” Nigel said, “are sufficiently well established that they aren’t going to be held accountable for this. They can put it behind them. As for Levine, he was never part of the industry, and he never will be. All this does is give him a few good stories for his friends in the music industry.”
“I’m sorry, David,” Nigel told him. “It all falls on you. It’s unfortunate. But sometimes, one person ends up being the goat, regardless of whether it’s fair.”
“So you’re saying it’s going to be slow, until this blows over,” David tried to smile. “I’ve weathered tough–“
“I’m saying it’s over, David. Finished. Kaput. Done. Ended. Dead. Cremated. Your career, over.”
“Oh,” David said, “well...”
“Anyway,” Nigel said, “I thought I should be polite and let you know we won’t be representing you.”
“You’re firing me?”
“Our professional relationship has ceased,” Nigel said.
“Oh,” David looked glum. “I guess, I’ll just find someone else then...”
“No one will touch you.”
“Then I’ll represent myself.”
“I did explain things to you?”
“I have to pay the rent,” David said. “I’ve got bills. I need to work. I’ll take anything.”
Nigel relented. “Listen, David, you had a good little run. Now it’s time to do something else. There are all sorts of ads, I’m sure you have many skills. Why bartender, or car wash attendant.”
David paused thoughtfully.
“Maybe I’ll move to the states,” he said, “I’m popular over there, I’m a hit at conventions.”
“To the anoraks,” Nigel said kindly. “But the New Doctor never aired there, and no one cares, outside of a few conventions.”
“Humm,” David felt thoroughly deflated.
Nigel felt a little bad.
“Cheer up, David,” Nigel said. “We all come to points like this. Take my advice, go to some of these conventions, make a little money, be a star for a little longer, and then when you have it out of your system, come back and get a regular job. You’ll be fine.”
Nigel watched Burton give the slightest nod.
“Now, if you’re finished with that glass of water, I have a lunchtime appointment coming up.”
“He’ll have a glass of water, thank you,” Nigel said smoothly. “It’s a health thing.”
Burton looked surprised, and a little nervous.
“So,” he said with forced joviality, “anything in the wind. It’s been a while, and the rent’s coming due. I’d like to get working soon.”
“Nothing, I’m afraid,” Nigel replied.
“Well,” Burton paused. “I think that’s a sign we’ve been a little narrow in our outlook. True, I’ve starred in two series, but that doesn’t mean I have let it go to my head.” He forced a laugh. “No small parts, only small actors, that’s what I always so. I’ve always fancied myself more a character actor, making my fellow actors look good, that’s the thing...”
“David,” Nigel replied. “There’s nothing.”
“And by nothing, you mean?”
“Nothing. No television roles, no film roles, no large parts, no small parts, no walk on parts, no extras, body doubles, stage roles, community theatre, pantomimes, nothing. There’s no work for you. There’s no interest in you. I can’t find you anything, there’s nothing to be found.”
“Ahh,” said David leaning back. The waiter brought water. He thanked him and took a sip.
“Times are tough everywhere I guess. The whole industry’s in a slump. But mark my words, it will be roaring back and–“
“David, the industry is not in a slump.”
“I see,” David said. He looked concerned. “I think—“
“David, before you say anything, just forget it. No one is hiring you.”
“That’s a little harsh. The actor’s life has ups and downs. But I’m still quite popular. I was just at an appearance the other day, and I have offers to attend conventions in the United States.”
“David,” Nigel said, “your career now consists of selling signed photographs to anoraks bent on misusing their allowances. How long is that going to last? It’s been a year or two since the New Doctor closed, fans are fickle. How long before you’re the one paying to get them to accept your pictures? Another year or two? Everyone will have moved on, and you’ll be forgotten. They’re already forgetting.”
David was silent for a second.
“That’s more than a little harsh,” he said quietly.
“I find it best to be honest in these matters. “The truth is, David, that it went a step too far. Your first series as the New Doctor established your career, we saw some future in representing you. The second series has been unfortunate.”
“It’s still two series of the New Doctor,” David said, “we put out some good episodes, and on time. We did quite well, particularly for the resources.”
“Regardless,” Nigel replied, “the second series production was troubled.”
“We had some difficulties with some people,” David admitted.
“The phrases bandied about were ‘catastrophic,’ ‘shambolic,’ ‘inept,’ ‘a lurching disaster,’ a ‘quicksand of incompetence.’ Those are the nice things people are saying, David. The fact is that while you can be congratulated for getting anything done, the New Doctor’s production troubles have been the focus of quite a bit of attention.”
Nigel paused, “Everyone has to stop and watch a car crash.”
“At least we got it done,” David said sullenly. “I would expect that there’d be a little respect for that. Overcoming the odds and all.”
“I respect that,” Nigel said soothingly. “But the fact of the matter, David, is that the production has made you quite famous in the business, in the worst possible way, and now no one is going to touch you with a ten foot pole.”
“I’m still working. I’m doing a project with William Baggs.”
“Yes,” Nigel replied. “Bill and Ben’s Video vanity. That’s not helping your reputation, although I dare say, nothing could harm it further.”
“What about Hinchcliff or Maloney,” David said, “are they in the same boat? Levine?”
“David Maloney, Paul, Barry, Philip,” Nigel said, “are sufficiently well established that they aren’t going to be held accountable for this. They can put it behind them. As for Levine, he was never part of the industry, and he never will be. All this does is give him a few good stories for his friends in the music industry.”
“I’m sorry, David,” Nigel told him. “It all falls on you. It’s unfortunate. But sometimes, one person ends up being the goat, regardless of whether it’s fair.”
“So you’re saying it’s going to be slow, until this blows over,” David tried to smile. “I’ve weathered tough–“
“I’m saying it’s over, David. Finished. Kaput. Done. Ended. Dead. Cremated. Your career, over.”
“Oh,” David said, “well...”
“Anyway,” Nigel said, “I thought I should be polite and let you know we won’t be representing you.”
“You’re firing me?”
“Our professional relationship has ceased,” Nigel said.
“Oh,” David looked glum. “I guess, I’ll just find someone else then...”
“No one will touch you.”
“Then I’ll represent myself.”
“I did explain things to you?”
“I have to pay the rent,” David said. “I’ve got bills. I need to work. I’ll take anything.”
Nigel relented. “Listen, David, you had a good little run. Now it’s time to do something else. There are all sorts of ads, I’m sure you have many skills. Why bartender, or car wash attendant.”
David paused thoughtfully.
“Maybe I’ll move to the states,” he said, “I’m popular over there, I’m a hit at conventions.”
“To the anoraks,” Nigel said kindly. “But the New Doctor never aired there, and no one cares, outside of a few conventions.”
“Humm,” David felt thoroughly deflated.
Nigel felt a little bad.
“Cheer up, David,” Nigel said. “We all come to points like this. Take my advice, go to some of these conventions, make a little money, be a star for a little longer, and then when you have it out of your system, come back and get a regular job. You’ll be fine.”
Nigel watched Burton give the slightest nod.
“Now, if you’re finished with that glass of water, I have a lunchtime appointment coming up.”
Poor old Mr Burton. The actors life if never easy, esp if a shambolic production lands on your head.
Still go to the US maybe try for some theatre work there? Coast on some conventions?
And Mr Nation, some popular stuff, but it must be hard to break new ideas in the land of Star Trek, Buffy, et all.
A touching look at two of the folk who are going to fall by the wayside and live off past hits there.
Still go to the US maybe try for some theatre work there? Coast on some conventions?
And Mr Nation, some popular stuff, but it must be hard to break new ideas in the land of Star Trek, Buffy, et all.
A touching look at two of the folk who are going to fall by the wayside and live off past hits there.
SF Conventions Resource, Media Section, 1995
SF Conventions Resource Guidebook, 1996 Edition
Media Section, Subhead: British SF/F/H - Doctor Who, Blake's 7, Survivors, Gerry Anderson, Quatermass, Saphire & Steel, Hammer, Amicus
....
David Burton
Subcategory: Doctor Who/Blake's 7 spin off
Availability: Year round
Status: Minor/Supporting
Warnings: Minor feud with Sylvester McCoy, No other issues.
Notes: David Burton is the star of The New Doctor, a Doctor Who and Blake's 7 spin off produced privately by Millennium Productions under license by the BBC. The program aired two seasons, of 9 and 6 episodes respectively, in 1992/1993. David Burton played 'The Doctor' or 'New Doctor' who travelled in a red phone booth rather than a blue police box, and is not considered a canonical Doctor Who doctor. The series was not shown outside of England, but is known in the United States from bootleg copies. Burton is the only member of the New Doctor cast and crew to make convention appearances in the United States. Burton is highly available, in fact, there are a number of reports of him actively soliciting conventions. He is extremely friendly and outgoing, charismatic, a willing participant on panels, gregarious and good with fans, and generally very easy to deal with. He does have a running feud with Sylvester McCoy and the two shouldn't be booked together. Burton is not to be considered a Main Card Draw, his series has not appeared formally on any American station or channel, so he has minimal American audience recognition, this combined with the extremely small number of episodes and stories, non-canonical status means as a guest his appeal is limited to hard core fans. Each year since the show is off the air diminishes his value. Currently, he is no longer seen as a viable guest for the major Conventions, and is insufficiently known to headline minor local conventions. He is suitable for a diminishing number of regional specialty conventions.
******
".... Please hold."
David Burton waited patiently, trying not to think of the cost of a transatlantic call. He opened the mail, starting with his phone bill. The notice was 'past due.' He raised his eyebrows. Mentally, he weighted up his bank balance. He decided that he could string the phone company along with fifty quid, he could take that much at least out of his credit card. The phone company wouldn't be happy. But at least they wouldn't cut him off. He added the phone bill to the pile of outstanding invoices.
"Chicago WhoCon," a female voice came on, "Stephanie speaking."
David wracked his brain for a second. Stephanie? The mousie girl with the glasses?
"Hello Stephanie," David said cheerfully. "Is Nick around? This is David Burton, the New Doctor."
"Hello David," Stephanie replied. "Nick's moved on. I'm in charge now. I remember you from last year. How are you?"
The voice seemed cheerful.
"Terrific, Stephanie," David replied. "I was just working my schedule, and I got to thinking, I had such a great time at Chicago--"
"We enjoyed having you!" Stephanie told him.
"Excellent.
"How's the revival coming?"
"It's on track," David assured her.
"Wonderful..."
"I was just thinking I wouldn't mind coming back... before it gets under way, just to talk it up."
"I can transfer you to membership," Stephanie told him.
"Well, I was thinking as a guest."
"Oh I see," Stephanie said, "we don't really like to do guests for consecutive years."
That was a lie. When he'd been there, David had talked to guests who'd been invited six years running.
"Ah," David said, "well, I just thought I'd let you know I was available. Just in case."
"Thank you, David," Stephanie said, "we're quite booked up.
"Maybe again in a couple of years. We'll keep you in mind. Or when the revival airs, give us a call."
David stretched in his chair, almost writhing with frustration. But he tried to keep a note of cheer in his voice.
"Certainly will. Well, it's been wonderful."
It was as if Stephanie caught a hint of despair.
"You know David, have you tried some of the smaller conventions? They don't pay as much, but I think some of them are still looking. Toronto maybe?"
"Toronto? Where's that love?"
"Somewhere in Canada, I think British Columbia or Quebec. They've got a Who Convention...."
"I've never been to Canada, sounds interesting..."
"Hold on, I'll get you their contact information. There's a few others you might try... Denver, Portland, Tampa...."
David grabbed a pen, and wrote the information down on an overdue credit card bill, from the stack of unpaid bills. He thanked her politely and hung up.
Once he'd rung off, he sighed, looking at the list of Conventions, some check marks, several crossed out.
It wasn't nearly as easy as it used to be. With each passing year, there was less and less interest, and the places that were interested offered less money.
Toronto, he thought, where the hell was that?
Canada? Igloos and polar bears.
Maybe, at least, they'd pay in pounds.
He sighed and picked up the phone.
Media Section, Subhead: British SF/F/H - Doctor Who, Blake's 7, Survivors, Gerry Anderson, Quatermass, Saphire & Steel, Hammer, Amicus
....
David Burton
Subcategory: Doctor Who/Blake's 7 spin off
Availability: Year round
Status: Minor/Supporting
Warnings: Minor feud with Sylvester McCoy, No other issues.
Notes: David Burton is the star of The New Doctor, a Doctor Who and Blake's 7 spin off produced privately by Millennium Productions under license by the BBC. The program aired two seasons, of 9 and 6 episodes respectively, in 1992/1993. David Burton played 'The Doctor' or 'New Doctor' who travelled in a red phone booth rather than a blue police box, and is not considered a canonical Doctor Who doctor. The series was not shown outside of England, but is known in the United States from bootleg copies. Burton is the only member of the New Doctor cast and crew to make convention appearances in the United States. Burton is highly available, in fact, there are a number of reports of him actively soliciting conventions. He is extremely friendly and outgoing, charismatic, a willing participant on panels, gregarious and good with fans, and generally very easy to deal with. He does have a running feud with Sylvester McCoy and the two shouldn't be booked together. Burton is not to be considered a Main Card Draw, his series has not appeared formally on any American station or channel, so he has minimal American audience recognition, this combined with the extremely small number of episodes and stories, non-canonical status means as a guest his appeal is limited to hard core fans. Each year since the show is off the air diminishes his value. Currently, he is no longer seen as a viable guest for the major Conventions, and is insufficiently known to headline minor local conventions. He is suitable for a diminishing number of regional specialty conventions.
******
".... Please hold."
David Burton waited patiently, trying not to think of the cost of a transatlantic call. He opened the mail, starting with his phone bill. The notice was 'past due.' He raised his eyebrows. Mentally, he weighted up his bank balance. He decided that he could string the phone company along with fifty quid, he could take that much at least out of his credit card. The phone company wouldn't be happy. But at least they wouldn't cut him off. He added the phone bill to the pile of outstanding invoices.
"Chicago WhoCon," a female voice came on, "Stephanie speaking."
David wracked his brain for a second. Stephanie? The mousie girl with the glasses?
"Hello Stephanie," David said cheerfully. "Is Nick around? This is David Burton, the New Doctor."
"Hello David," Stephanie replied. "Nick's moved on. I'm in charge now. I remember you from last year. How are you?"
The voice seemed cheerful.
"Terrific, Stephanie," David replied. "I was just working my schedule, and I got to thinking, I had such a great time at Chicago--"
"We enjoyed having you!" Stephanie told him.
"Excellent.
"How's the revival coming?"
"It's on track," David assured her.
"Wonderful..."
"I was just thinking I wouldn't mind coming back... before it gets under way, just to talk it up."
"I can transfer you to membership," Stephanie told him.
"Well, I was thinking as a guest."
"Oh I see," Stephanie said, "we don't really like to do guests for consecutive years."
That was a lie. When he'd been there, David had talked to guests who'd been invited six years running.
"Ah," David said, "well, I just thought I'd let you know I was available. Just in case."
"Thank you, David," Stephanie said, "we're quite booked up.
"Maybe again in a couple of years. We'll keep you in mind. Or when the revival airs, give us a call."
David stretched in his chair, almost writhing with frustration. But he tried to keep a note of cheer in his voice.
"Certainly will. Well, it's been wonderful."
It was as if Stephanie caught a hint of despair.
"You know David, have you tried some of the smaller conventions? They don't pay as much, but I think some of them are still looking. Toronto maybe?"
"Toronto? Where's that love?"
"Somewhere in Canada, I think British Columbia or Quebec. They've got a Who Convention...."
"I've never been to Canada, sounds interesting..."
"Hold on, I'll get you their contact information. There's a few others you might try... Denver, Portland, Tampa...."
David grabbed a pen, and wrote the information down on an overdue credit card bill, from the stack of unpaid bills. He thanked her politely and hung up.
Once he'd rung off, he sighed, looking at the list of Conventions, some check marks, several crossed out.
It wasn't nearly as easy as it used to be. With each passing year, there was less and less interest, and the places that were interested offered less money.
Toronto, he thought, where the hell was that?
Canada? Igloos and polar bears.
Maybe, at least, they'd pay in pounds.
He sighed and picked up the phone.
Last edited:
World of Media - Convention - Schedule excerpt....
WORLD OF MEDIA CONVENTION, TORONTO, 1996
Tuesday, 11:00 am - Gone but not forgotten. Remember those hidden gems from Yesteryear. ALF, Land of the Giants, My Secret Identity, Tripods, The New Doctor. We've gathered together some of the cast and creators of these shows to reminisce about days gone by. Panelists include: Paul Salzman, producer of Matrix and My Secret Identity, David Burton, The New Doctor Who, ..........
Tuesday, 11:00 am - Gone but not forgotten. Remember those hidden gems from Yesteryear. ALF, Land of the Giants, My Secret Identity, Tripods, The New Doctor. We've gathered together some of the cast and creators of these shows to reminisce about days gone by. Panelists include: Paul Salzman, producer of Matrix and My Secret Identity, David Burton, The New Doctor Who, ..........