Tag: WHOlanta

WHOlanta 2019: What a Goodbye! (and a fond look back)

After 15 conventions,  WHOlanta (formerly TimeGate) has ended. The last one wrapped on May 5,  and it went out with a bang and not a whimper!

My husband and I have had the privilege of covering the convention for the past 10 years and every year I have thought “This is the best group of guests imaginable,” and it always was. This year we got to meet the charming and feisty Janet Fielding, who played Tegan. Tegan was the companion to the 4th and 5th Doctors from 1981-1984.

  1. janetfieldingjanet                                   Janet Fielding

Ms. Fielding is not the first of the Doctor’s Companions we have met at WHOlanta. We also met Sophie Aldred, who played Ace to Sylvester  McCoy’s Doctor, Louise Jamison, who played Leela to Tom Baker’s Doctor, Nicola Bryant, who played Peri to Colin Baker. In addition, we met the Mistress, Michelle Gomez, and Camille Coderi, who played Jackie Tyler, Rose Tyler’s mother. We were also delighted to meet Colin Baker, the sixth Doctor, twice! Z(n addition, we heard wonderful stories from writers. men who portrayed monsters including Cybermen and Daleks, producers, script editors, and so many more. All of them were wonderful and their stories were among my favorites. This year, those included  Brand Manager Edward Russell, monster actor Jon Davey, Robert Allsop, and Jason Haigh-Ellery of Big Finish.

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Colin Baker

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Camille Coduri

Then there were the regulars, such as Lt. Moxie Magness,  Chief Cosmetologist on the Starship Enterprise, who wandered her magnificent way into a Doctor Who convention and stayed. Moxie is a marvel and we are going to miss her so much! There’s also Louis Robinson, Ken Spivey and so many more!

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We feel so honored that Alan and Susan gave us the chance to be part of this all these years. How we will miss the convention but the WHOlanta Facebook family will go on!

WHOlanta 2018 – what a blast!

WHOlanta 2018 took place last weekend at the Atlanta Airport Hilton. This was the first time the convention had been there, and it turned out to be an excellent convention space, with lots of room to gather in the lobby between panels. The crowd took to gathering around the marvelous Tardis replica, which also sometimes played most un-Tardis-like music. There was also a large vending room area, with plenty of space to move around and browse.’

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The Tardis

When not hanging out or buying things, con-goers were delighted to get autographs and photos with special guest Louise Jameson, who played Leela, companion to Tom Baker’s Doctor. Ms. Jameson also gave two delightful interviews, one with convention director Alan Siler and one with vivacious singer Cat Smith. She was an utter joy and a lovely lady.

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Cat Smith and Louise Jameson

Other entertainment included a cabaret to benefit the non-kill anima; rescue FurKids, and The Masquerade, which allowed attendees to show off their costumes. These were hosted by the magnificent Moxie M. Magness, Chief Cosmetologist on the Starship Enterprise. Moxie is one of the funniest people we have ever met and an integral part of WHOlanta; The climax of the Cabaret this year was when she smashed her ukelele, because “after all, it is a Who convention.”

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Aside from all of that, there was kids’ programming and gaming, and many panels full of lively discussion about Doctor Who, other science fiction programming, literature and video screening.  In the evening, many adults took advantage of the hotel bars.

It was a blast, a great escape from the everyday world. It will occur at the same time next year, and we plan to be there! How about you?

Below, it’s me as the Girl in the Fireplace and waiting for the Doctor in the incredible props exhibit in the basement.

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Press Release: WHOlanta 2018 About More Than Just Doctor Who

For Immediate Release-

 WHOlanta 2018 About More Than Just Doctor Who

 While the main focus of WHOlanta 2018, Atlanta’s premier Doctor Who convention, May 4-6 at the HiltonAtlanta Airport hotel, is the legendary science fiction program, there are more aspects to the annual three day gathering.

 British Culture – and pop culture – is also well represented and celebrated as a part of the convention, which was named by The Guardian newspaper as one of the top five Doctor Who conventions in the United States.

“Fans of Doctor Who also tend to be big fans of all things British,” said WHOlanta Vice President and Programming Coordinator Alan Siler.  “We work to bring our convention goers a slice of England in more ways than one.”

That includes panels on British television shows, films and literature, including Sherlock, Red Dwarf, The Prisoner, The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, Blake’s 7, Life On Mars, Kingsman, Broadchurch, the James Bond films and more.

There’s even a panel that allows people to “Ask A British Person,” allowing curious convention goers to satiate their curiosity on all aspects of British life.

In addition, the dealer’s room features a unique British flare, including sellers of English foods, sweets and various items usually not available at their local markets.

Of course, Doctor Who is the main focus of WHOlanta 2018, with various panels, question and answer sessions and other programming slated for the weekend.  That includes appearances by classic Doctor Who actor Louise Jameson, who portrayed the Fourth Doctor’s companion Leela, and new series director Rachel Talalay, among others.

 

WHOlanta 2018 will take place May 4-6 at the Hilton Atlanta Airport hotel, located at 1031 Virginia Avenue N/A, Atlanta, GA.  For membership information, along with other guest announcements, visit http://www.WHOlanta.com.  For breaking news and updates, check the WHOlanta Facebook page or follow along on Twitter @WHOlanta.