A cinema has launched a search for people involved in long lost episodes of the cult TV series Dr Who.
The ODEON Cinema at Eagles Meadow in Wrexham is organising a live screening of the first instalment of the new television series starring actor Peter Capaldi in his first outing as the famous Time Lord.
ODEON manager Kenny Kempster is trying to trace anybody who was part of the programmes shot in the Nant Ffrancon Pass in Snowdonia nearly 50 years ago as actors, extras or technical crew.
Back in 1967 actors dressed as Yetis roamed the Welsh countryside in padded fur-covered costumes filming a six-part Doctor Who adventure, The Abominable Snowmen, starring Patrick Troughton.
Kenny is keen to invite them to be guests of honour at the special screening on Saturday August 23 at 7:35pm.
Set in Victorian London, the latest feature-length first episode, Deep Breath, reunites the newly-regenerated Doctor and returning companion, Clara, played by Jenna Coleman, with series regulars and fan favourites, Madame Vastra, Jenny and Strax.
It’s been directed by Ben Wheatley (Sightseers, A Field in England) and written by Steven Moffat (Sherlock, Jekyll).
Before the episode starts, there will also be a ‘never seen before’ 5 minute video from an upcoming Doctor Who DVD release. After the episode, there’ll be a special 10 minute behind-the-scenes of episode 1 feature.
Live from Leicester Square, there will be an exclusive question and answer session with special guests following the screening which will be streamed live.
Kenny said: “There is already a phenomenal amount of interest in the live screening because Dr Who has such a huge and loyal fan base who can’t wait to see it on the big screen.
“We’re holding four tickets for people who can show that they were part of those episodes featuring the Abominable Snowman shot in Snowdonia.
“There’s a real buzz leading up to the screening of this new episode. We’re expecting a large crowd on the night because the last time we screen a Dr Who episode here it was very popular.
“I’m also expecting quite a few to turn-up in Dr Who costumes, it really does promise to be quite an event.”
Sadly, five of the story’s episodes of Doctor Who adventure, The Abominable Snowmen are among 106 episodes of Doctor Who missing from the archives.
Two short clips, off-screen telesnaps and a reel to reel tape recording of the soundtrack, made by a viewer in 1967, are all that survive of the missing instalments.
Two short home movies of the location filming taken by director Gerald Blake and Frazer Hines, who played the Doctor’s assistant, Jamie McCrimmon, also exist.
Dr Who fan and Eagles Manager Kevin Critichley thinks the search for people involved in the lost Dr Who episode is a great idea.
He said: “I had no idea that episodes of Dr Who had been filmed in North Wales and it would be brilliant to get some of the people involved down to the Odeon for the special screening of the new episode. I’m very much looking forward to watching it. I’m a big fan of Peter Capaldi and I think he’s going to make a fantastic Dr Who.”
If you can prove you were involved in the filming of Dr Who in Nant Ffrancon email [email protected] and put Dr Who in the subject box or ring Ceidiog Hughes on 07958 497592.
For more information please visit odeon.co.uk/odeon-plus
