Stars impress fans at ‘Doctor Who’ convention
By Fleet Capt. Dave Mason
(UPDATED ON FEB. 26) LOS ANGELES — “Doctor Who” stars inspired many fans, some of them in costume, to cheer and laugh Feb. 16-18 at Gallifrey One: Miracle on 34th Street.
“Hello, Sweeties,” said Alex Kingston, forever known as River Song, as she stepped onto the Los Angeles stage to thunderous applause Feb. 17 at the annual “Doctor Who” convention.
After Kingston spoke at the LAX Marriott, the Tyler family went on the same stage and easily made each other and the audience laugh. That especially happened when Camille Coduri, who played Jackie Tyler, delivered some, er, provocative jokes that caused nonstop laughter.
Earlier, Sir Derek Jacobi impressed fans with his insights, humor and stories from his distinguished career. The Shakespearean actor played the villainous Master on “Doctor Who.”
He told the audience he doesn’t consider himself to be a “leading man” type and has more fun playing villains than heroes.
Several USS Angeles members enjoyed the panels, which included a “Star Trek” session hosted by honorary Angeles member Larry Nemecek. Kris and Dennis Cherry, Jennifer Cole, Lisa Sobien, Heath Row and I were at the convention. Jerry Tien, a longtime friend of Angeles members and commanding officer of the USS Eagle, a STARFLEET chapter in Fremont, joined Kris, Dennis, Jennifer, Lisa and me for dinner Saturday night at a nearby Denny’s.
Programming on Feb. 18 featured a discussion by women in science fiction. In addition to Coduri, the panel included “Doctor Who” actresses Annette Badland and Jaye Griffiths, “Blake’s 7” actresses Sally Knyvette and Jan Chappell, and “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine” actress Chase Masterson. Also on the panel were “Farscape” actress Gigi Edgley and “Doctor Who” director Rachel Talalay.
They discussed Hollywood’s history of discrimination that has left women getting less pay than men and not being taken seriously by studios. They said more progress is needed against such prejudice.
Outside the panel rooms, fans got into the spirit of the convention by dressing up as popular “Doctor Who” characters — everyone from the Doctors to variations, including Muppets-inspired ones, of the Weeping Angels. And Daleks roamed the halls!
More about the convention will appear in Angels Flight, the USS Angeles’ award-winning newsletter that is emailed to members. To become a member, click on
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