Dr Who icons and fans to gather for special celebration in Coventry

[dutchman]

Polarity will be the first Dr Who convention in the city for close to 30 years



EXTERMINATE! Dr Who fans will get the chance to revel in stories, stars and memorabilia at a celebration of the long-running BBC show in Coventry. It's thought Polarity, so titled after an event-naming competition among enthusiasts, will be the first Dr Who convention in the city for close to 30 years.

Whovians will be able to rub shoulders with actor Colin Baker, who played the sixth incarnation of the Doctor from 1984 to 1986, Katy Manning, assistant to John Pertwee's Doctor. Nick Evans, who started is acting career at the Belgrade Theatre before moving into TV and a role as a Dalek operator, and John Leeson, who voiced K9 for more than 30 years, will also be in attendance.

There will of course be life-size props and characters from the hit show, which launched way back in 1963, including a Tardis, a Dalek and creepy alien Davros. Paul Ballard from Fantom Films, which is organising the event, said: "We've been doing these for many years, but there's not been one in Coventry since the mid-90s so we thought it was about time.

"We find it's a great way to meet people who like the same things as you. The big thing, as well as the Doctor Who part, is about being part of the tribe and the social side. Sharing ideas and stories - that's a huge part of it.

"Interacting and meeting people who have the same interests and getting to meet your idols. People like to have their photo taken in the Tardis.

"It's about celebrating something that you love." The convention will feature a series of stage panels where fans will get to hear celebrity guests discuss the show and answer questions.

There will also be autograph sessions, a professional photo studio, and merchandise. The event takes on extra significance in what is the show's 60th anniversary year. It will be held at Drapers Hall, in Bayley Lane, on Saturday, July 15.