Brief Summary
This episode of The Sirens of Audio features an interview with India Fisher, known for her role as Charlie Pollard in the Doctor Who audio dramas by Big Finish. The hosts, Dwayne and Philip, discuss Wendy Padbury's upcoming appearances in Australia, the character of Charlie and her relationships with different Doctors, and India Fisher's career, including her work on "MasterChef" and her experiences with Doctor Who conventions. They also share recommendations for Big Finish audio dramas.
- Wendy Padbury's Australia visit
- Charlie's character and relationships with different Doctors
- India Fisher's career and experiences
- Big Finish audio drama recommendations
Wendy Padbury's Australian Visit
Wendy Padbury will be attending events in Sydney on February 10th and Melbourne on February 17th and 18th. There's a possibility of adding a Brisbane event as well. Wendy's daughter, Charlie Hayes, who has also worked with Big Finish, will be accompanying her. More information and tickets are available at wendypadbury.sirensofaudio.com.
Rabbit Hole: The Character of Charlie
The hosts discuss the character of Charlie and her relationships with the Eighth and Sixth Doctors. Charlie's initial adventurous and naive personality with the Eighth Doctor evolves into a more secretive and protective role with the Sixth Doctor due to timeline issues. Despite the different dynamics, a strong bond exists between Charlie and both Doctors. The hosts also touch on the upcoming Christmas adventure featuring Charlie and her dynamic with the character Audacity.
Trailer: Doctor Who - Invaders from Mars
A trailer for "Doctor Who: Invaders from Mars" is played, setting the stage for the interview with India Fisher.
Interview with India Fisher: Introduction and Background
India Fisher is introduced and discusses her professional-looking setup, which is actually a cupboard in her bedroom created for COVID-related work. She also mentions her podcast on menopause, which Nick Briggs encouraged her to start. India shares her background, growing up in London and later in the central area of England, where her parents attempted a self-sufficient lifestyle. Her father was an MP, and her family has always been involved in the arts.
Early Career and Development of Voice
India discusses her early involvement in the arts, influenced by her father's appreciation for the arts. She took drama lessons and studied drama and English at Manchester University. She also explains how she developed her accent, influenced by being bullied in school. Before Big Finish, she did various acting jobs, including theater in pubs and impersonations on the TV program "Dead Ringers."
Joining Big Finish and Becoming Charlie
India recounts how she was discovered by Jason Haigh-Ellery at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and auditioned for Big Finish. She describes the challenging audition process, which involved performing various accents and voices. Her first role was in "Winter for the Adept." She was later contacted to become Paul McGann's companion, Charlie Pollard, which she was thrilled about as a fan of Paul McGann.
Working with Paul McGann and Early Doctor Who Experiences
India describes recording the first series of Doctor Who audios with Paul McGann in Bristol, which fostered a strong camaraderie among the cast. She learned a lot from watching Paul and developed her own techniques for physical performance in audio. Despite not being a huge Doctor Who fan initially, she was aware of its cultural significance. She recalls the 40th anniversary event where she realized the enormity of the Doctor Who fandom.
The Essence of Charlie and Fan Reactions
India credits Alan Barnes for writing Charlie so well that no acting was required. She feels that Charlie inhabits her rather than the other way around. She discusses the fan reaction to Charlie, noting that she was well-received. India shares her perspective on the romantic undertones between Charlie and the Doctor, viewing it more as a deep love and connection rather than a desire for a romantic relationship.
Scherzo and Other Memorable Stories
India discusses the story "Scherzo," which was written by Rob Sherman on his honeymoon. She describes the unique recording experience where she and Paul McGann performed the story live, facing each other. She also mentions other memorable stories like "Neverland" and "The Girl Who Never Was," praising the writing and the opportunities Big Finish has given her.
Playing Other Characters and Working with David Tennant
India talks about playing other characters, such as Celia Pollard in "Gallifrey," and working with David Tennant in "Luther Arkwright." She recalls having food poisoning during the recording of "Luther Arkwright" and being helped by David Tennant. She also shares her admiration for David Tennant's performance in "The Pillowman."
Balancing Voice Work and Stage Work
India explains how she shifted her focus from stage work to voice work due to family commitments. She finds voice work more convenient and enjoys it. She also discusses her work on "MasterChef," where she narrates the cookery program. She describes the recording process and her upcoming visit to the set for the 20th-anniversary special.
Doctor Who Conventions and Fan Experiences
India shares her experiences at Doctor Who conventions, noting that she has always met lovely and enthusiastic fans. She appreciates the fondness fans have for Charlie and enjoys the anonymity that voiceover work provides.
The Divergent Universe and Working with Conrad Westmaas
India discusses her experience in the Divergent Universe arc, working with Conrad Westmaas. She feels that Conrad received unfair criticism for the Divergent Universe and praises his talent. She also mentions the decision to bring her back to the main Doctor Who universe due to the start of the new TV show.
Joining the Sixth Doctor and Charlie's Growth
India recounts how she was paired with Colin Baker as the Sixth Doctor after the end of Paul McGann's arc. She enjoys working with Colin and appreciates the energy between the Sixth Doctor and Charlie. She also liked that Charlie became more grown-up and worldly-wise during this time.
Charlie's Own Series and Companion Chronicles
India expresses her gratitude for having her own Charlie series and discusses working with James Joyce. She appreciates that the Charlie series is not just Doctor Who light and has its own unique feel. She also mentions the Companion Chronicle "Solitaire," written by John Dorney, and working with David Bailie.
Returning for Anniversaries and Other Projects
India talks about returning for anniversary specials and other projects, such as "Sherlock Holmes." She enjoys the opportunity to play Charlie again and appreciates the quality of the scripts. She also discusses the upcoming box set featuring Charlie and Audacity, praising the dynamic between the two characters.
Working with David Tennant Again and Final Thoughts
India mentions working with David Tennant again on the sequel to "Luther Arkwright," although they were not in the studio together. She expresses her gratitude for the opportunity to bring joy to Doctor Who fans through the character of Charlie and hopes to continue playing her for many years to come.
Trailer: Doctor Who - In The Bleak Midwinter
A trailer for "Doctor Who: In The Bleak Midwinter" is played.
Recommendations and Farewell
Philip recommends "Time of the Daleks," while Dwayne recommends "Seasons of Fear" and encourages listeners to catch up with "Once and Future." The hosts thank India Fisher for joining the show and bid farewell to the listeners.
