The Creation of Doctor Who

Doctor Who: Pull To Open

Christopher Naylor reads the inside story of how the BBC created and launched Doctor Who. 
 
In early 1963, a chain of events led to the creation of what would become one of the best-loved, and most successful, of all British television programmes. This is the tale of how Doctor Who embarked upon its epic journey - one which still continues today. It is also the story of the people involved, from Sydney Newman and Donald Wilson to Verity Lambert, Waris Hussein and William Hartnell. 
 
Revealing how and why the original series was conceived, Pull To Open also details the way in which television drama was made in the early 1960s. It sheds light on the post-war era into which Doctor Who was born, placing it in the context of the BBC and Britain as they were at the time. 
 
So begins an extraordinary saga that culminates in a date with destiny on Saturday 23 November 1963. 
 
Reading produced by Morrison Ellis. Sound design by David Roocroft. Executive Producer: Michael Stevens 
 
? 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd © 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd.

Christopher Naylor reads the inside story of how the BBC created and launched Doctor Who. 
 
In early 1963, a chain of events led to the creation of what would become one of the best-loved, and most successful, of all British television programmes. This is the tale of how Doctor Who embarked upon its epic journey - one which still continues today. It is also the story of the people involved, from Sydney Newman and Donald Wilson to Verity Lambert, Waris Hussein and William Hartnell. 
 
Revealing how and why the original series was conceived, Pull To Open also details the way in which television drama was made in the early 1960s. It sheds light on the post-war era into which Doctor Who was born, placing it in the context of the BBC and Britain as they were at the time. 
 
So begins an extraordinary saga that culminates in a date with destiny on Saturday 23 November 1963. 
 
? 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd © 2024 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. 
 
Reading produced by Morrison Ellis. Sound design by David Roocroft. Executive Producer: Michael Stevens

Paul Hayes

Christopher Naylor

1st Doctor Audio Original

Christopher Naylor reads a brand new adventure for the First Doctor, Susan, Ian and Barbara. 
 
The TARDIS materialises on board Cavis Sunliners Flight 307, a regularly scheduled passenger flight using a revolutionary type of interstellar travel. 
 
The Doctor, his granddaughter Susan and her schoolteachers Ian and Barbara meet Chief Officer Sopel, beleaguered commander of the vessel. 
 
Following an act of sabotage the ship is boarded by a large, levitating alien creature who demands the return of ‘an artefact’. Influencing the ship’s AI pilot, Pym, the Kleede threatens to shut off all life support. 
 
With Pym and the Kleede engaged in a deadlock battle for control, and more aliens on their way, the Doctor must help the crew outwit their attackers. But time is running out… 
 
Christopher Naylor reads Paul Hayes's story set in the earliest era of Doctor Who on TV. 
 
Reading produced by Morrison Ellis 
Sound design by David Roocroft 
Executive Producer: Michael Stevens 
 
© 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd. (P) 2026 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd.

Paul Hayes

Books by Paul Hayes

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