London Doctor Who fundraiser planned for victims of Australian wildfires

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A one-day Doctor Who entertainment event will take place in London to raise funds for victims of the Australian wildfires.

The Royal Vauxhall Tavern in London – one of London’s most iconic LGBT+ venues – will host G’Day of the Doctor on Saturday, May 9, 1:00-6:00 p.m.

Guests (subject to work commitments) include: Katy Manning, Nicola Bryant, Lisa Bowerman, Janet Fielding, Mark Gatiss, Ian Hallard, Peter Purves, David Benson, Joe Lidster, and Nev Fountain.

There will also be Doctor Who drag queens, stand-up comedy, a new live performance adventure, and more. More than a convention, the organizers promise an “entertainment spectacular”.

The event will also feature:
The UK premiere of the colourised Day of Armageddon: Episode 2 of The Daleks’ Master Plan
Cabaret from The Vixens – stars of the Edinburgh smash-hit ‘Doctor Whosical’
Stand-up comedy from Charlie Ross
Auction
The Quiz of Rassilon ON TOUR and more.

Organiser Richard Unwin said:

“I toured Australia with a play a couple of years back, and fell completely in love with the country. The people, the animals, the scenery – it was simply a joy to exist in such a beautiful land. While I was there the Doctor Who Fan Club of Australia invited me along to be a guest speaker at one of their meetings in Sydney, to discuss my work as an actor with Big Finish. I was flattered and amazed – to receive such a warm and generous welcome whilst so far from home – on the other side of the world! But that’s the Doctor Who community for you – full of warmth and generosity and kindness.

So when I first saw the pictures of that country burning – the place that had stolen my heart, in literal flames – I instantly knew that we could rally the troops of fandom and organise something to help in some small way.”

“When Katy Manning heard about what we were doing, she not only offered to appear at the event, but also to be a key part of the planning committee – attending meetings and undertaking research and admin. She’s been invaluable!”

Katy Manning said:

“I arrived in Australia in 1982 with two sickly children, two suitcases, and one telephone number. Australia gave my children their health, it gave me friendships across the vast beautiful country, it gave me my partner of 28 years – the legendary  Aussie Barry Crocker CBE. It gave me the opportunity to travel to almost every tiny corner of that diverse island – from the Sydney Opera House to the outer Barcoo and everywhere in between. It gave me the beauty of the Aboriginal people & their dreamtime. It gave me the joys of Banjo Paterson. It gave me mind blowing night skies, exotic flowers, rainforests, deserts, sweeping plains, snowy mountains, blue seas, white sands, and incredible wildlife.

“I have seen many fires and floods during my years, but being there during these fires will remain with me for life. Even the most resilient Aussie spirit was momentarily broken, and the wildlife devastated. The firefighters worked tirelessly to quell the fires devouring whole towns, while others worked relentlessly to save the unique wildlife. For this country I love, that gave so much to me and so many, I now want to be part of giving something back during this their time of real need, to help bring back the heart to this extraordinary land.”

A collective of Doctor Who fan groups have organized G’Day of the Doctor to channel the power of fandom to aid those affected by the wildfires in Australia.

The Sisterhood of Karn – the LGBT+ Doctor Who fan group
Diva Loka – The Brighton Area Doctor Who Social Group
The Time Ladies – A blog by and for women who love Doctor Who
The Quiz of Rassilon – The legendary monthly Doctor Who quiz night

The organizers, performers and guests have given their time free of charge. 100% of the proceeds of the event will be spent 50/50 between animals and people affected by the wildfires. The charities supported are:

WIRES – NSW Wildlife Information, Rescue and Education Service
BLAZE AID – Helping Communities Rebuild After Natural Disasters

For more information and ticket details, contact G’Day of the Doctor on Twitter or their event page on Facebook.

Strictly limited tickets will be available to purchase at the Royal Vauxhall Tavern website starting 8:00 p.m. (UK time) on Monday, March 9. 

Edit: last we heard. this event had successfully sold out. Unfortunately, because of the uncertainty of what will happen with the COVID-19 pandemic, the event was indefinitely postponed. Full refunds are available but some are asking that the price of their tickets go to the relief funds.