Doctor Who’s enduring appeal lies in its rich history, constantly evolving yet always anchored by its origins. For many, the question “Who Was The First Doctor Who?” evokes images of a stern but grandfatherly figure, embarking on adventures in a quaint police box. This question leads us back to William Hartnell, the original actor who brought the enigmatic Time Lord to life in 1963. Now, this era is revisited and expanded upon in exciting new audio dramas, keeping the legacy of the First Doctor vibrantly alive.
Stephen Noonan Embodies the First Doctor in “The Living Darkness”
Stepping into the shoes of a legend is no small feat, but Stephen Noonan has embraced the challenge of portraying the First Doctor in Big Finish’s latest audio adventure, The Living Darkness. Producer Mark Wright describes it as “an honour to reunite Steven Taylor with the First Doctor in an adventure paying tribute to that rich era of 1960s Doctor Who.” This new story promises suspense, terror, and emotional depth, hallmarks of the early Doctor Who episodes that captivated audiences decades ago.
Peter Purves, who famously played companion Steven Taylor alongside William Hartnell’s Doctor, returns to voice his iconic role in The Living Darkness. His insights into Noonan’s portrayal are particularly compelling. Purves notes, “Stephen is very close to sounding like Bill Hartnell in terms of rhythm and delivery. He’s quite vigorous in performing it, really quite intense as the Doctor – it’s easy to play off that because he’s giving so much.” This endorsement from a figure so closely linked to the original era speaks volumes about Noonan’s dedication and performance. Purves also highlights Noonan’s deep knowledge of the First Doctor era, further emphasizing his commitment to authentically bringing this incarnation back to life.
A Unique Doctor Who Story Unfolds
The Living Darkness promises a narrative that breaks from the expected Doctor Who formula. Purves teases, “don’t expect the TARDIS to come to the rescue – it ain’t here.” This intriguing detail suggests a story where the Doctor and Steven must rely on their ingenuity and resourcefulness without their usual time-traveling safety net, heightening the stakes and suspense. This unique premise is designed to offer listeners a fresh perspective on the First Doctor era, exploring new facets of the characters and their relationships.
Stephen Noonan himself expresses his excitement about working with Peter Purves and exploring “emotional areas that haven’t been explored in previous stories.” This hints at a deeper character study of the First Doctor, delving into previously uncharted emotional territory. The collaboration between Noonan and Purves bridges the gap between the classic and the new, offering both longtime fans and new listeners a compelling journey into the world of the First Doctor. With its focus on suspense, character depth, and a unique narrative structure, The Living Darkness stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of the original Doctor Who and the timeless question: who was the first Doctor Who?
