In Running Through Corridors, two Doctor Who lovers of old - Robert Shearman and Toby Hadoke - embark on an epic quest of friendship: spend the 'gap year' of 2009 (when Doctor Who consisted of a handful of specials rather than a full season) re-watching the whole of Who two episodes a day, every day, from the show's start in 1963 and ending with David Tennant's swan song on New Year's, 2010. This three-volume series contains Shearman and Hadoke's diary of that experience - a grand opus of their wry observations about the show, their desire to see the good in every story, and their chronicle of the real-life changes to Who in that year. With this book, Who fans will feel that they're watching along with Shearman (World Fantasy Award winner, Hugo Award nominee and writer on the new Doctor Who) and Hadoke (renowned stage performer for his one-man comedy show, 'Moths Ate My Doctor Who Scarf') as they make their 'grand journey' through the world's most wonderful and longest-running drama series.
Running Through Corridors
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About the Author
Robert Shearman is the World Fantasy Award-winning, Hugo-nominated author of the episode "Dalek" for the BATA-winning Doctor Who series. He has received several international awards for his theatre work. Toby Hadoke's one-man comedy show, "Moths Ate My Doctor Who Scarf," toured internationally following a West End run, sell out performances at The Edinburgh Fringe, and a Sony-nominated radio series.
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5 of 5 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
For fans of Doctor Who (and not just in its current incarnation), this book is a record of a fascinating project: Mr. Shearman and Mr. Hadoke spend a year watching the entirety of Doctor Who in order, from 1963 through 2010. They watch two episodes every day and comment on them back and forth. This volume, volume 1, covers the 1960's, William Hartnell and Patrick Troughton's tenures.
It is a daunting task that runs, according to the book, from January 1st ("An Unearthly Child") through May 7th ("The War Games"). It is surprising, in fact, that they seem up to the task. Not a day slips by, no matter what else is going on in their lives, where they don't get the job done. It's impressive; particularly because so much video from this era had been lost and our authors are often forced to rely on audio recordings and telesnaps.
As for the text, there's a lot to like here. The thing I enjoy most is that they've made it a point that this is an "appreciation" of the show. They are going to make a concerted effort to stay positive and, despite the occasional lapse into (generally fair) criticism, they achieve their goal. Unlike some writers who seem, despite their claim to fandom, not to like the show much (I looking at you Tat Wood), Shearman and Hadoke keep an upbeat tone. I especially like their appreciation of Troughton--who I also like a lot. It's a pleasure to read this.
It should also be said that Shearman and Hadoke are very informative. They are both quite knowledgeable about the show and there are interesting tidbits in almost every entry. In fact, it's a bit overwhelming for someone not as "in the know" as they are. I couldn't read the book straight through. It was too much. I basically made it through at the rate of a story per day. I was able to absorb much more that way.
It's not a perfect experience in other ways as well. Occasionally our authors get a bit chatty, with as many asides and personal anecdotes that get in the way as add something to the text. For example, I have little interest in the relationship of the Target novelizations to the episodes. I also found it difficult to follow some of the stories since I know little about the ones that don't exist in video form. However, it's a small price to pay for what is, overall, an excellent read.
Within a couple years, all the existing stories will be out on DVD. When that happens, my personal collection will be complete and I intend to watch all the shows in order myself. I thank Mr. Shearman and Mr. Hadoke for leading the way. I'm looking forward to volume 2.
It is a daunting task that runs, according to the book, from January 1st ("An Unearthly Child") through May 7th ("The War Games"). It is surprising, in fact, that they seem up to the task. Not a day slips by, no matter what else is going on in their lives, where they don't get the job done. It's impressive; particularly because so much video from this era had been lost and our authors are often forced to rely on audio recordings and telesnaps.
As for the text, there's a lot to like here. The thing I enjoy most is that they've made it a point that this is an "appreciation" of the show. They are going to make a concerted effort to stay positive and, despite the occasional lapse into (generally fair) criticism, they achieve their goal. Unlike some writers who seem, despite their claim to fandom, not to like the show much (I looking at you Tat Wood), Shearman and Hadoke keep an upbeat tone. I especially like their appreciation of Troughton--who I also like a lot. It's a pleasure to read this.
It should also be said that Shearman and Hadoke are very informative. They are both quite knowledgeable about the show and there are interesting tidbits in almost every entry. In fact, it's a bit overwhelming for someone not as "in the know" as they are. I couldn't read the book straight through. It was too much. I basically made it through at the rate of a story per day. I was able to absorb much more that way.
It's not a perfect experience in other ways as well. Occasionally our authors get a bit chatty, with as many asides and personal anecdotes that get in the way as add something to the text. For example, I have little interest in the relationship of the Target novelizations to the episodes. I also found it difficult to follow some of the stories since I know little about the ones that don't exist in video form. However, it's a small price to pay for what is, overall, an excellent read.
Within a couple years, all the existing stories will be out on DVD. When that happens, my personal collection will be complete and I intend to watch all the shows in order myself. I thank Mr. Shearman and Mr. Hadoke for leading the way. I'm looking forward to volume 2.
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful
By Sammy J
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
I'm so glad to have this book! Rob Shearman (whose credits include the Eccleston episode "Dalek") and comic/actor Toby Hadoke sat through every episode of 'Doctor Who', from 1963 to 2009, and their diarised thoughts are here. Quite frankly, this is an amazing work. First off, both are clearly passionate 'Who' fanboys who also happen to have lives, careers and senses of humour. As a result, while they give us honest, slightly rose-coloured opinions, they also share so much more. The discussion expands onto all elements of television production, on to the evolution of this series over its nearly-fifty-year history, and their measured, experienced, mature views on the writing, acting, directing, production and conceptualising of 'Doctor Who' is wonderful.
Beyond this, they're both very erudite gentlemen, with Hadoke particularly being hilarious. The book is such an easy read, yet is wonderfully dense. 'Doctor Who' fandom can be a perilous planet at times, filled with bitter grumbling fans spewing bile across the internet (yet probably, in real life, milquetoast accountants from the suburbs) and so many people determined to defend their own era while maligning all else. So it's nice to see two gentlemen who aren't deluded about the vicissitudes of the series, yet adore this programme, and understand and appreciate the series even when it isn't at its finest. (And, it must be said, the new 'Who' series - with months of filming per episode, and endless rewrites - has a luxury not afforded the '60s producers, where they were producing an entire 25-minute tale in one week.)
Minor flaws: a) occasionally (very occasionally) the book can become a little insular, where jokes are made that will phase anyone who isn't a devoted fanboy. Although one could argue that few such types will read this books. B) Far more importantly: b) an unusual - and infuriating - stylistic choice that should never have happened. Titles - be they of episodes, serials or programmes as a whole - are not italicised, underlined or encased in quotation marks. This can become confusing enough when a story title is the same as the title of a villain or place in the episode, but it becomes even more confusing when a tangent discusses a film or book you haven't heard of!
But those really are minor flaws. It should be pointed out that there are no synopses included, which is fine for most of us - and probably a safer option from a legal standpoint - but means that viewers who aren't overly familiar with the '60s episodes may want to grab an online plot summary (or just watch the damn episodes!) Aside from that, I'm eagerly awaiting volume 2. Very eagerly.
Beyond this, they're both very erudite gentlemen, with Hadoke particularly being hilarious. The book is such an easy read, yet is wonderfully dense. 'Doctor Who' fandom can be a perilous planet at times, filled with bitter grumbling fans spewing bile across the internet (yet probably, in real life, milquetoast accountants from the suburbs) and so many people determined to defend their own era while maligning all else. So it's nice to see two gentlemen who aren't deluded about the vicissitudes of the series, yet adore this programme, and understand and appreciate the series even when it isn't at its finest. (And, it must be said, the new 'Who' series - with months of filming per episode, and endless rewrites - has a luxury not afforded the '60s producers, where they were producing an entire 25-minute tale in one week.)
Minor flaws: a) occasionally (very occasionally) the book can become a little insular, where jokes are made that will phase anyone who isn't a devoted fanboy. Although one could argue that few such types will read this books. B) Far more importantly: b) an unusual - and infuriating - stylistic choice that should never have happened. Titles - be they of episodes, serials or programmes as a whole - are not italicised, underlined or encased in quotation marks. This can become confusing enough when a story title is the same as the title of a villain or place in the episode, but it becomes even more confusing when a tangent discusses a film or book you haven't heard of!
But those really are minor flaws. It should be pointed out that there are no synopses included, which is fine for most of us - and probably a safer option from a legal standpoint - but means that viewers who aren't overly familiar with the '60s episodes may want to grab an online plot summary (or just watch the damn episodes!) Aside from that, I'm eagerly awaiting volume 2. Very eagerly.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
My husband and I have been watching the classic Whos from the beginning, and we have been using Running Through Corridors as a companion. As soon as we finish a story, we read what Rob and Tobey have to say about it. I find it extremely helpful during the reconstructed episodes, where you can barely hear, let alone see, what's going on. I also love when they point out an actor who has played roles in previous episodes (again, because the reconstructions are poor quality).
Their reviews are a mix of humor and sincerity. They completely embrace the low budget effects and sometimes ridiculousness of Doctor Who.
If you're watching the classic series, this is definitely a must-own!
Their reviews are a mix of humor and sincerity. They completely embrace the low budget effects and sometimes ridiculousness of Doctor Who.
If you're watching the classic series, this is definitely a must-own!
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
A great addition to the study and appreciation of Who
I had read the first part via the kindle preview and quite enjoyed it. I am quite happy to have the entire book now (waited for a good price. Read more
Published 10 days ago by Derek Donnell
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love it love it love it!
If, like me (and Rob and Toby) you're planning on the incredibly time-consuming task of watching every Doctor Who episode, this book is indispensable. Read more
Published 23 days ago by Adrick Tolliver
5.0 out of 5 stars
Long may they run
Rob Shearman and Toby Hadoke form an almost classic Holmesian double act in their mammoth overview of every episode of Doctor Who, Volume 1 covering the sixties eras of William... Read more
Published 2 months ago by Tetleylee
