An adventure with Sarah Jane!
I always get excited when I’m booked to go to Cardiff (and it’s not just because I love the sound of a Welsh accent and am a secret fan of the daily Welsh soap, Pobol y Cwm – yes really!)! But a work trip always means it’s Dr Who-related. And this time, I went to interview some of the cast of the spin-off series, The Sarah Jane Adventures – and to sit in on a read-through of four scripts (two, two-part episodes). These are usually done behind closed doors, so it was even more exciting than a regular set visit.
En route from Paddington to Cardiff, Valerie, the press officer for the series, issued a press release announcing that The Doctor (Matt Smith) would be appearing in one of the two-part episodes, alongside Laila Rouass – and Katy Manning, who played companion Jo Grant in the 1970s, just before Sarah Jane Smith (Elisabeth Sladen) took over. So cue some hasty re-writing of my questions!
Once in Cardiff, we met up with a few other journalists and set off. And as we neared the Upper Boat studios where Sarah Jane, Dr Who and Torchwood are all filmed, we noticed a heavy grey mist on the horizon, and wondered whether volcanic ash was about to ruin our day. Fortunately, all was well.
At the studios, after sticking on our security passes, we signed confidentiality agreements (you’ll have to wait until the autumn to read details about the new series in TV Choice). Then we were taken into the green room – where the cast relax – by Edward, the Brand Manager. He had hoped to show us around the set of Sarah Jane’s attic, but there was a technical issue and it was shrouded in darkness. However, on our way to getting a bite to eat from the on-site canteen – (more portacabin than dining room) – we did sneak a peak and yes, it was pitch black. But we were able to wander around the set of Rani’s house – and it was bigger than some people’s flats!
Walking into the read-through though, was very exciting. Aside from the table of refreshments (I helped myself to a scrummy Welsh cake, a flapjack, fruit and a cup of tea, avoiding the mini donuts, crisps and other chocolate naughtiness), were about 30 other people, consisting of cast members and production team. They sat around tables that had been pushed together in a large rectangle, so everyone could see each other. Elisabeth Sladen came over to say hello (and she looked as youthful as ever, in a trendy Alice in Wonderland T-shirt, teamed with grey tracksuit bottoms and bright pink boots). Next to her was Daniel Anthony, who plays Clyde, and looked far younger than his 22 years once he removed his funky specs and hat. And next to him was gorgeous Anjli Mohinder, who plays Rani.
Then Katy Manning came in, and gave Elisabeth a huge embrace. It was the first time they’d seen each other in five years – the last time had been at a convention in Los Angeles.
As the read-through began, Katy removed one of her long-black gloves to enable her to turn the pages of the script – but she left one on, complete with a huge gold ring. With Matt Smith stuck in New York, the casting director made a great stand-in. And Gareth Roberts, the writer of the second two-parter, was an excellent Mr Smith, while other crew read for other absent cast members.
As a fan of the show, it was easy to imagine how these episodes were going to appear on-screen, as the cast brought the scripts to life. And as well as learning what was going to happen in The Sarah Jane Adventures, we also picked up some snippets about future episodes of Dr Who. But of course, my lips are sealed!
With the first two-part story done, there was a huge round of applause, and then Elisabeth and Katy left the room to do a photo shoot to accompany the news story, which was soon posted online.
After the second story, there was more applause, and then we went back into the green room to speak to Elisabeth, Daniel and Anjli about the new series. And Katy popped in for a quick chat about how delighted she was about being asked to appear in the show by Russell T Davies.
‘It’s an absolute gift,’ said Katy, about reprising her role. ‘I was reading the script and I got to the scene with The Doctor and I’d worked out he’s going to be my seventh Doctor – if you include the CDs I’ve done. I’m an old Doctor-hag!
‘I really got back into Doctor Who when it restarted, and the moment when Christopher Eccleston walked out of that box..wow. Then you’ve got the lovely David Tennant and now Matt Smith. What a little darling he is, as an actor.
‘You get it straight away. He’s got some really interesting stuff going on there.’
Then she left to have her costume fitting and, as we left, I couldn’t help wondering if they’d let her wear the high-heeled trainers she’d arrived in …!
By Elaine Penn
