BWW Reviews: Adelaide Fringe 2014: 50 YEARS OF DOCTOR WHO: PREACHRS PODCAST LIVE 2! Was Overrun by Daleks

Reviewed 14th February 2014

50 Years Of Doctor Who: Preachrs Podcast Live 2! is the second of these events, again featuring Adelaide's Benjamin Maio Mackay, and Melbourne actor and comedian, Rob Lloyd, both of whom are avid fans of the doctor, or, as we refer to ourselves, Whovians. But what, you might ask is that odd second part of the title? Mackay has a podcast, called the Preachrs Podcast, dedicated to the Doctor. On his podcast he has interviewed a number of the actors who have played the doctor, his companions, his enemies, and many others, oh, and he is only fourteen years of age.

The production last year was packed, and so much fun that it was no surprise to find a packed venue again this year. The format was not entirely different, but a little more structured, and some refinement had been done on some sections. The premise this time was that this duo had been captured by Daleks, and there were three of them in the venue, life size. There memories had been wiped and their creator and leader, Davros, threatened death to our heroes unless they rebuilt the databanks of the Daleks by explaining who all of the Doctor's incarnations were, who their many companions were, and who their greatest enemies were.

Obviously, two people alone could not do all of that, so members of the audience were invited to come forward to speak briefly about their favourite doctors, or companions, and there were also a few intervals for quizzes, with Doctor Who DVDs and collectibles (what else?) as prizes.

MacKay wrote the script, but there were numerous brief diversions and lots of humorous banter between him and Lloyd, as well as a lot of ad libs, all adding to the fun. Images of characters from the entire series, from 1963 to the Doctor who will be in the TARDIS later this year, were projected onto a large screen, as were short recorded greetings and interviews. It was everything that a Whovian could wish for, and the chance to peek into the TARDIS on one side of the stage, inspect the Cyberman on the other side, or get up close and personal with the three Daleks, kept the crowd happy for some time after the formal part of the show. This is suitable for all ages, and there were people of all ages in attendance, but it is only running over this weekend, so hurry to book.

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