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Liverpool is set to host a special Doctor Who event as Waris Hussein, director of the first episodes of the iconic BBC show comes to Toxteth for an exclusive ‘Audience with’ showcase.
Waris, who is now 80 years old and continues to work in directing, was at the helm for the pilot episode of Doctor Who – An Unearthly Child – as well as the initial three episodes, and is widely credited with establishing the template for the show.
The event, which takes place in the VideOdyssey Studio, Toxteth TV, will also feature a one-off chance to watch a BBC Play For Today, which the BFI have granted special permission to show from their archive for the occasion. Love Letters On Blue Paper, starring the second Doctor Patrick Troughton, has never been repeated since first airing in 1974.
Multiple BAFTA and Emmy award-winning director Waris will tell stories spanning from his rich and diverse career, working with some of the biggest names in the world of film and television including Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor and Anthony Hopkins.
Waris has confided in interviews that he considers the drama Love Letters On Blue Paper to be his finest work, although he has not watched it since its first broadcast date, which also promises to be a special treat for the audience.
Speaking from his home in LA, California said: “I’m delighted to be visiting Liverpool for this special audience with event and taking a trip down memory lane.
“I’m especially looking forward to watching Love Letters On Blue Paper. I haven’t watched it since it was first broadcast, but looking back on everything I’ve done, it is the finest piece of television that I worked on.”
Waris will also be on hand to meet and greet and sign autographs after the show in the VideOdyssey video shop and free play vintage arcade. The show is being staged in Liverpool by Room 5064 productions as part of the venue’s first birthday weekend long celebrations.
Room 5064 Producer Gareth Kavanagh said: “Waris is a both a legendary talent and a lovely man. He was there at the very beginning of Doctor Who, working alongside legends Verity Lambert and Sydney Newman to create the feel of the show, which endures to this day, 56 years on.
“This is a unique chance to watch some stand out pieces of film and TV from Waris’ career and meet a living legend.
“We’re also planning a very special live commentary of An Adventure In Space And Time, which will allow you to either enjoy the piece as transmitted or watch alongside Waris and text your questions to him.”
Tickets cost £12 and include the opportunity to meet Waris after the discussion and get an autograph. Visit tiny url.com/warishussein