The South Manchester Reporter – Thursday 11th December, 2003

By Kate Stirrup

A VERY ‘animated’ Doctor Who.

Chorlton’s world-beating animation studio, Cosgrove Hall, has brought to life yet another British institution – the intergalactic hero Doctor Who.

The new series Doctor Who and the Scream of the Shalka is being broadcast on the internet, in weekly instalments.

The ninth incarnation of the Doctor been hailed by fans as a worthy addition to the cult television series and made it onto the front of the prestigious industry bible Design Week – a first for Cosgrove Hall, based on Albany Road in Chorlton.

British actor Richard E. Grant has lent his voice to the title role of the Doctor, following in the footsteps of Tom Baker, Colin Baker and Sylvester McCoy.

Cosgrove Hall’s Steve Maher, who is producing the series said: “Doctor Who is a huge phenomenon and the idea of bringing an animated version to life was a big responsibility. There are literally thousands of fans out there waiting to see if we get it right. Thankfully the first episodes have gone down a storm. It’s been great working on such a legendary character and breathing new life into him.”

Steve added: “The whole idea of ‘webisodes’ is a relatively new way of our animation being shown. And the thought that people all over the planet can log in and watch when they like, and as many times as they like is amazing.”

Richard E. Grant said: “I think I must be the only actor who’s never seen Doctor Who, or read it. I’m completely a virgin to it so I don’t know whether that’s a disadvantage or an advantage – that will be for other people to decide. It’s struck me that it’s Sherlock Holmes in outer space. That’s what it seems to be like. I don’t know whether that’s accurate or inaccurate, but you just follow the script.”

And on his new alter-ego’s time travelling powers he added: “I think a tendency that almost inevitably you have is to think, Who would you have as your ideal dinner guests?‚ or Who would you be if you went back to Egyptian times?”

“You’d be a Pharaoh, you wouldn’t be some poor slave hauling rock across the desert. I think the standard of living and the way that we live now, certainly in the West, is so sophisticated compared to anything that’s gone before that I would definitely like to live to at least 120 and see what the future’s like.”

The new 85-minute series was produced to coincide with the Doctor’s 40th Anniversary celebrations with each new episode available for download on Thursday nights.”

Kate Stirrup, South Manchester Reporter.