Doctor in the House? Russell T. Davies at Humber Mouth By Maggie Hannan

8th November 11am - 4pm Call box office for costs EICH Gallery, University of Lincoln Hull Campus, George Street, Hull Box Office 01482 223344

'I grew up watching Doctor Who, hiding behind the sofa like so many others. He's had a good rest and now it's time to bring him back. The new series will be fun, exciting, contemporary and scary...' So says Russell T. Davies, famous for the controversial Queer as Folk, and Second Coming starring Christopher Ecclestone. Something of a coup for Humber Mouth, Russell T. will be appearing at the festival at the Writers Day along with Jill Dawson, Lee Karen Stow and James Nash.

I have to admit, I'm more of a QaF fan than a Doctor Who fan, but there's no doubt that news of the new series has caused a small storm of interest. So much so that one subject is under strict embargo - the identity of the actor who will play the new Doctor. Russell is proving to be the hot property of this year's festival, and will be talking live on Radio Humberside about his visit to Hull on Thursday (6th November) at around 10.40am. I loved Queer as Folk - my favourite moment was when Charlie Hunman ran down the street after 'coming out' shouting 'I'm like f***ing Mozart, me' - the single most triumphant celebration of gay identity and culture ever on British Television. It still makes me smile. And the series was about so much: nineties culture post-Thatcher; drugs and clubs; love; sex; city life; northern life; everything seemed to be wrapped up in the three key characters. And it was fun, and funny.

Russell T. Davies seems to have icon status across several constituencies: sci-fi, gay culture, and serious drama, and often mixes all three in outstanding television writing. He's been compared to Dennis Potter (Singing Detective, Pennies from Heaven), and has the same knack for challenging and entertaining in equal measure. He's also a nice guy with unexpected Hull connections: his partner comes from the city. I didn't know that until I contacted him about the festival, and it was great to speak to someone who is so positive about Hull. This is going to be a great gig - so don't miss it.

The Writers Day is a day-long event at the EICH Gallery with workshops, talks and readings. Informal and interactive, the day is open to anyone interested in writers and the things they write about, and/or making a career in tv or literature. Day Tickets cost £5; Single Events £3/2. Russell T Davies will be there all day, and 'in conversation' with James Nash at 2pm.

Continued on www.thisisull.com...... The Humber Mouth Homepage.

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