Dive deep into the world of UNIT in Doctor Who with stars Tracey Childs, Beth Chalmers, and Alex Macqueen as they discuss their roles in the highly anticipated audio drama, UNIT: Dominion. Originally recorded in December 2011 at Moat Studios, this interview with Paul Spragg offers a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes of this exciting Big Finish production.
Klein’s Return: Familiar Yet Different
Tracey Childs, reprising her role as Elizabeth Klein, a character she famously hoped would get a spin-off, reveals the intriguing state of Klein in Dominion. Despite having her memory wiped, Klein remains fundamentally herself. “Elizabeth Klein is still Elizabeth Klein,” Childs explains. “Her characteristics, her personality, are the same. She just doesn’t remember very much of her past.” This allows Childs to revisit the “efficient, wonderful Miss Klein” in a completely new context. Now seemingly on the side of good, or at least in a “totally different position,” as Childs puts it, Klein’s journey in Dominion promises fresh perspectives and complexities for fans of this compelling character within the Unit Doctor Who universe.
Alt text: UNIT Dominion audio drama cover featuring Seventh Doctor, Klein, Raine, and the Other Doctor, highlighting the Doctor Who connection.
Raine’s Evolution in the Doctor’s World
Beth Chalmers discusses her character, Raine, the Doctor’s companion, and her growing acceptance of the extraordinary nature of the Doctor’s life. Initially bewildered by the constant danger, Raine in Dominion has evolved. “To begin with, she’s saying, ‘Do you normally expect this? Did you and Ace [Sophie Aldred] have a lot of this?’” Chalmers recounts. However, by the events of Dominion, Raine has become accustomed to near-death experiences, developing a more seasoned and humorous outlook. This evolution adds depth to Raine’s character and strengthens her dynamic within the UNIT Doctor Who narrative.
The Enigmatic Other Doctor: A Split Personality
Alex Macqueen delves into the complexities of playing the “Other Doctor,” a role that presents a unique acting challenge due to the character’s split personality. “The Other Doctor’s got a lot of colour; he’s a split personality, which is great,” Macqueen states. He describes the role as a “real pleasure” to play, contrasting the character’s pleasant and polite demeanor with moments of being “really quite foul and horrible.” Macqueen also shares his approach to embodying this Doctor, drawing inspiration from Sylvester McCoy’s portrayal of the Seventh Doctor, particularly his “mannerisms and delivery style,” to create a performance that is both “eccentric and slightly peculiar.” This dual nature of the Other Doctor adds an intriguing layer to the UNIT Doctor Who story, keeping audiences guessing.
Relationships and Dynamics within UNIT
The interview explores the evolving relationships between the characters, particularly Klein and Raine, and their interactions with the Seventh Doctor. Childs describes Klein’s relationship with the Seventh Doctor as “suspicious,” highlighting a haunting element where Klein feels watched and judged by this mysterious “umbrella man.” This creates tension and intrigue, as Klein grapples with the Doctor’s presence without understanding his motives.
Chalmers notes Raine’s growing confidence, allowing her to be more “sarcastic” with the Doctor and more openly inquisitive. This contrasts with a previous dynamic where she might have tried to appear knowledgeable, showcasing Raine’s development and comfort within the UNIT Doctor Who environment.
The dynamic between Klein and Raine is also explored, with Childs humorously highlighting Klein’s initial frostiness towards Raine. “I’m definitely suspicious of her! She’s stealing your spin-off,” Childs jokes, emphasizing Klein’s intellectual superiority while acknowledging Raine’s different strengths, such as being more “street-savvy.” This interplay between strong female characters adds a compelling dimension to the audio drama.
Humanizing Klein: From Nazi to Nuance
Childs reflects on the evolution of Klein’s character, noting a shift towards a more human portrayal. She acknowledges Klein’s past as a Nazi in Colditz, but emphasizes the journey that has led her to a more nuanced state in UNIT. “I guess she’s a little more human now,” Childs suggests, explaining that past experiences have added emotional depth, even if Klein doesn’t fully remember them. This evolution moves Klein away from being “black and white” and introduces “more sides to her,” making her a more relatable and complex character within the UNIT Doctor Who framework.
Addressing the challenging question of portraying a “sympathetic Nazi,” Childs offers a thoughtful perspective. She emphasizes that even monstrous figures often have justifications for their actions and possess human traits. “Everyone has their own sympathetic side, however it comes out,” she states, arguing against one-dimensional portrayals and highlighting the importance of understanding the character’s belief system and motivations.
Cast Chemistry and the Doctor Who Universe
The actors express their enjoyment of working with each other, both new and familiar faces. Childs appreciates the energy of working with new cast members, while Chalmers and Macqueen fondly recall their past collaborations, creating a comfortable and collaborative atmosphere during recording.
Macqueen, known for his comedic roles, expresses his enthusiasm for exploring the sci-fi genre through Doctor Who. He acknowledges the blend of comedy and villainy in his role and appreciates the imaginative world of Doctor Who audio dramas. “I thoroughly enjoy that the world of Doctor Who is very imaginative and inventive in a way that your straightforward dramas aren’t,” Macqueen notes, highlighting the unique appeal of the science fiction genre and the UNIT Doctor Who stories in particular.
The Future of UNIT and Klein
Tracey Childs concludes by expressing her desire for the UNIT audio dramas, and specifically Klein’s stories, to continue, emphasizing the audience’s role in their longevity. “UNIT can go anywhere and do anything and, interestingly, it can also deal with almost any Doctor,” she asserts, highlighting the vast potential of the UNIT concept within the Doctor Who universe. Her hope for “a couple of box sets a year” underscores her passion for the character and the rich storytelling possibilities within UNIT Doctor Who.
Alt text: Detailed view of the UNIT Dominion box set cover, emphasizing the Doctor Who branding and cast names for search visibility.
UNIT: Dominion offers a compelling addition to the UNIT Doctor Who saga, promising fans intricate character development, thrilling storylines, and the captivating performances of Tracey Childs, Beth Chalmers, and Alex Macqueen. This behind-the-scenes glimpse into the making of the audio drama enhances appreciation for this exciting entry in the expanded Doctor Who universe.
