AS DR WHO turns twenty-five today, I went in search of the booming Time Lord Industry. The Dr Who Shop in Wapping proved elusive, as, according to the caretaker, the Tardis and its associated merchandise had dematerialised (without leaving a forwarding address) a year ago. I had more luck with the new World Of Dr Who Display, installed in the 3001 Space Adventure Exhibition, Tooley St, SE1 last week. You enter through the hallowed portals of the Tardis accompanied by the familar strains of the souped-up waste disposal unit which indicates a serious bout of time-travelling. Passing the lugubrious figures of the Silurian Seadevil, the Cyberman and the latest baddie, Kandyman (he of the over sized Licorice Allsort limbs), you are confronted by that all-time favourite villain, the Dalek — who made a highly successful comeback in October. As one of a whole generation who watched most of the Dalek episodes from behind the sofa, I was chilled to hear that instantly recognisable robotic voice — like Mrs Thatcher under the influence of helium gas — 'at last you are in our power, you will be exterminated — exterminate, exterminate, exterminate!' The exhibit is rounded off by the obligatory Dr Who Shop, where you can buy videos of classic episodes, scale-model assembly kits of Daleks and Cybermen, and, if it takes your fancy, a Bonny Langford doll.
There is also a Dr Who Exhibition, open during the summer, at Longleaf House, Wilts; a Dr Who magazine (available from newsagents); and a Dr Who Appreciation Soc, PO Box 519, SW17.
Spelling correction: Bonnie Langford
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