This weekend I made my first trip to the 23rd installment of Gallifrey One – a Doctor Who convention held annually in LA – and it was nothing short of OUTSTANDING. The defining characteristic of this event is that it is 100% fan-run. This means every staff member and volunteer is participating out of sheer love and enjoyment of the series, and it shows in every detail of the programming. Chairman Robbie Bourget and his team planned a fantastic convention with an enormous variety of interviews, discussion panels and screenings.
The charm of this convention goes beyond the quality of programming. Just as important to the overall experience is the character of the fans. I am pleased to say I have never been surrounded by so many friendly, enthusiastic, and kind people that I immediately felt a connection with. This inclusive, family-friendly atmosphere was in no way diminished by a record-breaking attendance of 3,183 people.
This year’s Network 23 theme had a phenomenal guest list with a wide variety of representation from several different eras of the series. Perhaps the greatest separation between other conventions and Gallifrey One is how accessible each beloved star is to the fans. Headliners such as Paul McGann, Camille Coduri, Mark Sheppard, William Russell, Toby Haynes, Barnaby Edwards, and Gary Russell (among MANY others) participated in live commentaries, discussion panels, and had scheduled times for autographs and photos that gave every registered member the opportunity to interact with their favorite actors and writers.
Saturday night featured the Masquerade of Mandragora, an opportunity for fans to display their home-made costumes, as well as a few prepared skits. The fandom of Doctor Who is damned talented, and I was blown away by the level of quality in each entrant’s work. Audience favorites included the Androids! sitcom featuring three different generations of cybermen, and the Companion Game featuring Doctors Two, Nine, and Dalek-Sec competing for a chance to travel with former companion Dodo. Perhaps the greatest “awww” moment was when an otherwise shy 3 or 4 year-old contestant dressed as Tom Baker’s 4th doctor began dancing on stage with the giant-sized Adipose during the award ceremonies.
The main event of Sunday was the charity auction, this year supporting Students Run LA, a school-based mentoring and physical fitness program for at-risk middle and high school students in the Los Angeles area. They have an outstanding success rate, and 97% of their seniors go on to a college or university. Auctioned items included autographs, vintage books, VHS tapes, and action figures. Over $7,000 total was raised for this very good cause.
This convention has everything a Doctor Who fan could ask for, and I am already counting down the days until next year. It is a trip worth saving for, and I can’t wait to see what they have in store for next year’s 50th Anniversary special. You can keep up with Gallifrey One news through their Facebook page facebook.com/gallifreyone, or on twitter @galliferyone. If I see you there next year, ask me for a ribbon!
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14 Comments
Awesome wrap up. Nice to know cons are not just all dollars and drink.
You were there, too? You and I need to coordinate our efforts next year. :)
Haha most definitely! I saw your blog do you do any podcasts as well?
I’ve been known to appear on the Sci-Fi Surplus podcast from time-to-time. I’ve also got a little video series called “On the Sofa” that a friend of mine and I do. You can get to that from the blog.
Just thought you should know that Robbie Bourget is a woman… :-)
Thank you for pointing out that error! I was thinking of Vice-Chair Shaun Lyon when I wrote the article. And they both did an outstanding job.
You are very welcome. I just noticed, as well, and I probably shouldn’t mention this on the tail of a previous correction, but I thought you should know it wasn’t Dalek Sec in the Dating Game spoof, but Scaroth, the last of the Jaggaroth, the monster that appeared in the Tom Baker 4th Doctor episode “City of Death.” It’s a great review, though, and I couldn’t agree with your sentiments more. I go every year to the convention and can’t wait until 2013.
Just so you know, the littlest contestant in the Masquerade was actually all of 2 years old. Her name is Ambrielle and she’s got an entire wardrobe of costumes which include all Eleven Doctors, Captain Jack Harkness, River Song and Madame Du Pompadour. She was quite the star all weekend. Also, the Dalek in your photo is Tiki Dalek which won best in show in last year’s Masquerade, made by Kevin Roche.
Nice overview! This was my 20th Gallifrey (about my 8th or 9th as a guest of the con) and even with the record-breaking attendance, it was terrific and superbly run! Also, as a cast-member of Mysterious Theatre 337 (our own version of Mystery Science Theater), we had our best and most enthusiastic audience this year, as well! Check out our show next year (and find us on facebook) if you missed it this time!
Nice write up! I can Plus 1 everything you said as I was there…evidenced by my “appearance” in the top photo. I am the one in the black dress taking a photo of one of the many fantastic River Song cosplayers!!!
That is me in the astronaut suit! Thank you for the awesome picture!
This was my third Gallifrey One and by far my favorite. I hear they’re planning to top that next year. I’m not sure my poor heart can take much more fun and awesomeness, but I will be there, with my Rose Tyler costume on!
I would like to correct you on one of the pieces of information you made. If I am correct, The companion game was between the 2nd doctor, the 9th doctor, BUT instead of Dalek Sec it was actually Scaroth from the Doctor Who serial “The City of Death” featuring the 4th doctor, Tom Baker. Other than that, I do like your review of Gallifrey One 23. Hope you take this note into consideration, just trying to help you out.
P.s. If you wanted a picture of the guy I was talking about here is the episode on Wikipedia with the picture in the upper right hand corner:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/City_of_Death
I also really enjoyed the Gallifrey One 23 Convention this year. I enjoyed the various people, the panels, and the overall environment. The events of Saturday were entertaining and fun filled. Though you did not mention the Charlie Ross half time show that I quite enjoyed. The costumes were also very well done, the commentaries were informative, and I got much Doctor Who based items from their market. If anyone is interested in going to this Convention you should definatly check this out and you will LOVE IT !