Beyond the Marquee: The Web Series (Ep.39) The Doctor Who Experience VIP Tour (pt.1)

Pack your bags Whovians because on this International episode of Beyond the Marquee we head across the pond to the United Kingdom for an Exclusive VIP tour of BBC Worldwide’s Doctor Who Experience in Cardiff, Wales. Join BTM reporter Allison-Tate Cortese along with BBC curator and archivist Andrew Beech as they explore the first ever interactive attraction that invites visitors to star in their very own Doctor Who adventure as well as showcases the most popular sets, props and costumes from nearly half a century of Doctor Who episodes. Watch as we learn the secrets and history behind the show that celebrates it’s 50th birthday this year! Click ahead to read more about the Doctor Who Experience and check back tomorrow for Part 2 of our VIP Tour episode!

 

The Doctor Who Experience

 

Doctor Who – the world’s longest running sci-fi drama – has materialised on TV screens around the world for almost 50 years, transforming generations of families in to lifelong fans of the travelling Time Lord and his companions. Just as transformational are the changes that have taken place in Porth Teigr, Cardiff Bay. Over the last few years the redevelopment of the area has seen the land change from a disused brownfield site to a bustling new location which hosts the BBC’s state-of-the- art Roath Lock Studios where the television show is now filmed.

The opening of the BBC’s largest studios outside of London in May 2011 signalled the completion of the first phase of development led by the Welsh Assembly Government and local property developer Igloo. In July 2012, a second major development opened on the site when the Doctor Who Experience welcomed members of the public for the first time following its much anticipated move from London’s Olympia 2. The Experience – owned and run by BBC Worldwide – wowed over 230,000 visitors during a year long stay in London and now takes residence at a permanent structure in the current spiritual home of Doctor Who.

 

A glimpse inside the Doctor Who Experience…

 

The 3000 square meter Doctor Who Experience is the first ever interactive attraction that invites visitors to star in their very own Doctor Who adventure. Arriving at the venue they step through a crack in time to become the Doctor’s companion, taking on the challenge of reuniting the intrepid Time Lord with the TARDIS whilst fending off threats from some of his most fearsome foes including Daleks, Weeping Angels and Cybermen. The adventure culminates in a stunning 3D showdown, before visitors exit to a free flow area which houses the largest collection of Doctor Who props and exhibits ever assembled.

The Experience showcases the most popular elements from nearly half a century of Doctor Who episodes, featuring items such as the Peter Davison TARDIS, an Ice Warrior and a Zygon. It also features props and monsters from newer series such as the Silent Spaceship control room and Cyber-Conversion Chamber, both seen in Series Six (2011). In true Doctor Who style, the Experience constantly changes to add modern props as well as hidden gems from years gone by. Due to the constant updating of the Experience, both first time and returning visitors will always have something new to enjoy. The Experience will build on this excitement by offering a major new attraction that builds on the history and association of Doctor Who and Cardiff, and promises to be a core part of the Porth Teigr development for many years to come.

 

Cybermen and Daleks and Weeping Angels, Oh My!

 

About the Doctor Who Experience Building

– It took just 10 months to construct this new landmark building at Porth Teigr, Cardiff Bay. The building is owned by Cardiff Council and the Doctor Who Experience is the first tenant

– 4181 square metres exhibition space (including walk-through element)

– A stand-out feature is the TARDIS landing bay for boats, the TARDIS is lit up at night providing a new focal point for the bay

– The building is situated just moments away from the BBC’s Roath Lock Studios where the Doctor Who television series is filmed allowing for close collaboration with the show

 

About Doctor Who 

– Doctor Who has sold to over 185 territories worldwide and is a top selling programme on
the BBCWW drama portfolio

– Amongst its numerous awards, the show has received BAFTAs for Best Drama and Best Writer for Russell T Davies and Steven Moffat and has been voted Most Popular Drama at the UK’s National Television Awards for 5 years running

– Guinness World Record for most successful sci-fi show ever (based on longevity, audience size, TV sales and overall commercial success)

The 11th Doctor, Matt Smith makes quite an impression during a recent handprint ceremony at the Doctor Who Experience

 

Tom Baker’s TARDIS on display at the Doctor Who Experience

 

All 11 Doctor’s have altered the fabric of the universe, now see the fabric of their costumes close up!

 

Who knew Doctor Who could be so cool!?!? Check it out next time you’re in Cardiff, Wales!

 

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2 Responses to “Beyond the Marquee: The Web Series (Ep.39) The Doctor Who Experience VIP Tour (pt.1)”

  1. MindyMay37 says:

    Nice job Allison, was nice to live vicariously, I don’t think my dogs would ever let me leave long enough to go to Cardiff.

  2. […] In Part 2 of this week’s special International episode of Beyond the Marquee, we continue our Exclusive VIP tour of BBC Worldwide’s Doctor Who Experience in Cardiff, Wales. Beyond the Marquee’s own foreign correspondent Allison-Tate Cortese along with BBC curator and archivist Andrew Beech continue to explore the first ever interactive attraction that invites visitors to star in their very own Doctor Who adventure as well as showcases the most popular sets, props and costumes from nearly half a century of Doctor Who episodes. In this final segment we take a close up look at Sonic-Screwdrivers, the 9th & 10th Doctor’s TARDIS, and explore the history of the dreaded DALEKS!!! Watch as we learn the secrets and history behind the show that celebrates it’s 50th birthday this year! Click ahead to see some behind the scenes pics during the taping of this episode of the Doctor Who Experience and if you missed Part 1‘s episode yesterday, CLICK HERE! […]

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