After a smooth landing and a much-needed rest following a long journey, I was eager to immerse myself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Chicago TARDIS convention. Fuelled by a delicious breakfast, I started my day by catching up on some writing from the hotel lobby, already sensing the buzz of excitement building around me.
The author sporting a Shetland tweed jacket with a Utah shirt, a classic and comfortable convention outfit choice.
As the morning progressed, the hotel lobby transformed into a meeting hub for Doctor Who fans from all walks of life. Fezzes and stetsons began to appear, alongside an array of creative, improvised costumes. Among the early highlights was a group brilliantly cosplaying the Fifth Doctor TARDIS crew. It’s always a delight to see fans celebrate different eras of Doctor Who, showcasing the enduring appeal of the show across generations.
A group of cosplayers dressed as the Fifth Doctor’s TARDIS crew, showcasing the popularity of classic Doctor Who era costumes at the convention.
While new-Who cosplay is always prominent at these events, it was particularly refreshing to see a strong representation of classic series costumes. Even more encouraging was seeing younger fans embracing the earlier episodes, proving that the charm and storytelling of classic Doctor Who continues to resonate with new audiences. This intergenerational appreciation highlights the timeless quality of Doctor Who, whether fans are drawn to the early adventures or the more recent iterations, including the era of the 11th Doctor Tardis, each incarnation leaves a lasting impact.
Attendees in elaborate Doctor Who themed costumes, demonstrating the creativity and dedication of fans at the Chicago TARDIS convention.
Chicago TARDIS, while smaller than the massive Gallifrey One convention, offered a more intimate and fan-focused experience for around 800 attendees. The organization was clearly top-notch, especially evident in the smooth process for guest photo opportunities with Janet Fielding, Andrew Hayden-Smith, and Peter Davison.
A cosplayer posing near a TARDIS prop, highlighting the iconic blue box that is central to the Doctor Who universe and a popular photo opportunity.
My reserved weekend ticket granted me priority access to the photo queues, a well-organized system that minimized waiting times. Instead of long, static lines, attendees were comfortably seated in a holding room until their ticket group was called. This efficient approach allowed everyone to enjoy more of the convention and less time queueing.
The author getting a photograph with Janet Fielding, who played Tegan Jovanka, the companion to the Fourth and Fifth Doctors.
First up was Janet Fielding. She immediately recognized me from the previous evening, greeting me with a friendly Australian term of endearment. What sets these photo ops apart is the option to have a second photo taken with your own camera for a small extra fee, alongside the professional print. While convention photo prints can sometimes suffer from rushed processing, the quality at Chicago TARDIS was notably better than average.
Meeting Andrew Hayden-Smith, known for his role as Jake Simmonds in Doctor Who, at the photo opportunity session.
Next, I had the pleasure of meeting Andrew Hayden-Smith. He was incredibly gracious and welcoming, seemingly embracing the convention experience with genuine enthusiasm. It’s always heartwarming to see guests connect so positively with fans. Finally, it was time for my photo with Peter Davison, and I felt a costume change was in order to mark the occasion!
The Planet of Fire waistcoat, a screen-used costume piece from Peter Davison’s era, prepared for the photo opportunity.
Wearing the Planet Of Fire waistcoat, a shirt from a Gallifrey Base group buy, and Five Trousers season 21 pattern, for the Peter Davison photo op.
While waiting in line for Peter, my costume garnered considerable attention, with some fans visibly impressed when I mentioned it was a screen-used piece. I was curious to see if Peter would recognize the specific waistcoat. He did notice and acknowledge it but admitted he didn’t have a detailed memory of his costumes. While a slight disappointment, it’s understandable that actors may not recall every costume detail from their long careers.
The author and Peter Davison, the Fifth Doctor, during the photo session, a memorable moment for a dedicated fan.
The Big Finish panel event at Chicago TARDIS, offering insights into Doctor Who audio adventures.
Post-photocalls, I headed to the main conference room for a Big Finish Q&A panel. Nicholas Briggs, the voice behind the Daleks and Cybermen in new-Who, led an engaging session about the past, present, and future of Doctor Who audio dramas. This was followed by Peter Davison’s solo Q&A, which he jokingly referred to as an “interrogation.” He bravely faced a long line of eager fans with questions, showcasing his wit and good humor.
Peter Davison engaging with fans during his Q&A panel, demonstrating his charm and humor.
Peter expertly navigated the questions, often with self-deprecating humor and witty anecdotes, particularly referencing Matthew Waterhouse and Nicola Bryant. After lunch, I had a delightful reunion with Kevin Coppa and his incredible Ultimate Tennant Suit! Having previously surprised him at Gallifrey, I gave Kevin a heads-up about my Chicago TARDIS attendance this time.
Cosplayers dressed as companions Rose Tyler and Martha Jones alongside Kevin Coppa in his impressive Tenth Doctor costume.
Kevin, once settled in, was soon attracting attention in his full Tenth Doctor attire. It was wonderful to reconnect, although conversations were frequently interrupted by fans requesting photos – an understandable consequence of his impressive cosplay, which I had a small part in helping create. He patiently posed for countless pictures, each time striking a different iconic Tenth Doctor pose, much to the delight of everyone.
A heartwarming moment as the Tenth Doctor cosplayer interacts with a young fan in a wheelchair, illustrating the positive impact of fan conventions.
The genuine joy and excitement, especially from the children at the convention, was truly touching. One particularly special moment was seeing a child in a wheelchair light up with pure happiness while interacting with “The Doctor,” a scene that resonated deeply and underscored the true value of these fan gatherings, far beyond autographs or video screens.
Chicago TARDIS also made the local newspaper
Click on image to enlarge and read the local newspaper coverage of the Chicago TARDIS convention.
The positive impact of Chicago TARDIS extended beyond the convention walls, even earning a mention in the local newspaper, further highlighting the event’s success and community engagement. Whether you’re a fan of classic Doctors, the excitement of new-Who, or particularly captivated by iconic imagery like the 11th Doctor TARDIS, conventions like Chicago TARDIS offer an unparalleled opportunity to celebrate and share your passion for Doctor Who.
