Science fiction often grapples with profound philosophical and social themes, exploring questions about humanity and existence in ways other genres cannot. Despite its seriousness, science fiction, particularly iconic series like Doctor Who, has become a prime target for parody. These parodies, however, often serve as unintentional auditions for those involved, with some performers eventually landing roles in the very show they spoofed.
The phenomenon of parodies turning into auditions is not new. In fact, it has been a recurring theme with Doctor Who, a series known for its imaginative storytelling and distinctive characters. From Lenny Henry’s sketch in the 1980s to Alasdair Beckett-King’s more recent online spoofs, these comedic takes have sometimes opened doors to the official Doctor Who universe.
The Lenny Henry Show: A Comedic Prelude to the Real Thing
In 1985, British comedian Lenny Henry performed a Doctor Who sketch on The Lenny Henry Show. His portrayal featured a Doctor in a leather jacket battling Cybermen led by a parody of Margaret Thatcher. While the sketch was comedic, it inadvertently predicted elements of the modern series, such as a Black Time Lord and a more contemporary wardrobe for the Doctor.
Henry’s parody was more than just a comedic endeavor; it was a demonstration of his understanding of the show’s essence. Thirty-five years later, Henry appeared in Doctor Who as the villain Daniel Barton in the episode “Spyfall,” proving that his earlier parody was indeed a successful audition.
Alasdair Beckett-King: From Online Parody to Audio Drama
Comedian Alasdair Beckett-King is known for his online sketches, including “Every Episode of Popular Time Travel Show,” which humorously mimics Doctor Who. Despite his self-professed lack of encyclopedic knowledge of the series, Beckett-King’s parody captured the quirks and tropes of the show, from visual effects to character mannerisms.
His approach to parody, playing the Doctor as a version of himself, mirrors the way actors often bring personal elements to the role. Beckett-King’s comedic take eventually led to a role in the BBC-produced audio series Doctor Who: Redacted, where he voiced an alien character. This transition from parody to official involvement highlights the blurred lines between comedy and genuine audition.
Inspector Spacetime and Community’s Nod to Doctor Who
In the sitcom Community, the fictional show “Inspector Spacetime” serves as a loving parody of Doctor Who. While no actors from this parody have appeared on Doctor Who yet, the connection between the two shows is undeniable. Matt Lucas, who played an Inspector Spacetime superfan, later became a companion on Doctor Who, further illustrating the crossover potential of parodies.
Doctor Who Night and the Wilderness Years
During the “Wilderness Years” of Doctor Who, a period when the show was off the air, BBC 2’s “Doctor Who Night” in 1999 offered fans a glimpse of the series’ enduring appeal. The event featured sketches by Mark Gatiss and David Walliams, including “The Web of Caves,” a parody that allowed Gatiss to live out his Doctor Who fantasy.
Gatiss’s involvement with the show continued, as he went on to write several episodes and appear as Professor Richard Lazarus. Walliams also joined the Doctor Who universe, playing an alien character in “The God Complex.” These sketches, initially comedic, became stepping stones to deeper involvement with the series.
Curse of the Fatal Death: A Parody with Lasting Impact
The 1999 Comic Relief sketch “The Curse of the Fatal Death” is perhaps the most successful Doctor Who parody. Written by Steven Moffat, it featured Rowan Atkinson as the Doctor and included multiple regenerations, a concept that would later become central to the series.
Notably, several actors from the parody, including Hugh Grant and Richard E. Grant, were later considered for or appeared in Doctor Who. Moffat himself became a key figure in the show’s revival, with many elements from the parody influencing his tenure as showrunner.
“The Curse of the Fatal Death isn’t just an audition for writing Doctor Who, it’s practically a speed run of everything Moffat wanted to do with it.”
These parodies, while humorous, have served as platforms for creative talent to engage with Doctor Who in meaningful ways. They highlight the show’s cultural impact and the unique opportunities it offers for those who dare to spoof it. As Doctor Who continues to evolve, these comedic auditions remind us of the thin line between parody and reality in the world of science fiction.
