Science fiction, with its profound exploration of philosophical and social themes, often invites parody. Among the most parodied is the iconic British series Doctor Who. While these parodies may seem like mere comedic endeavors, they often serve as covert auditions for those involved, sometimes leading to real roles within the beloved franchise.
The notion that parodies can be auditions is exemplified by several notable instances where comedians and actors transitioned from spoofing Doctor Who to participating in the series itself. These cases reveal a fascinating intersection between humor and ambition, where the line between jest and genuine aspiration blurs.
The Lenny Henry Show: From Parody to Villain
In 1985, British comedian Lenny Henry performed a Doctor Who sketch on his show, portraying a Doctor adorned in a leather jacket, battling Cybermen led by a “Cyber Thatcher.” The sketch, while humorous, demonstrated Henry’s ability to capture the essence of the Doctor’s universe. Fast forward 35 years, and Lenny Henry appeared in the actual series as the villain Daniel Barton in the episode “Spyfall.”
Henry’s transition from parody to the official series underscores the potential of comedic sketches to act as auditions. His portrayal captured the spirit of the Doctor’s adventures, resonating with audiences and eventually leading to his casting in the show.
Alasdair Beckett-King: Manifesting a Role
Comedian Alasdair Beckett-King, known for his online sketches, took on Doctor Who with “Every Episode of Popular Time Travel Show.” Despite his self-professed lack of encyclopedic knowledge about the series, Beckett-King’s parody resonated with fans and showcased his comedic talent.
In a twist of fate, Beckett-King found himself cast in the BBC audio series Doctor Who: Redacted. Reflecting on his journey, he humorously noted, “Who says MANIFESTING doesn’t work?” His experience highlights how parody can serve as a stepping stone to official roles within the franchise.
Inspector Spacetime: A Meta-Parody
The sitcom Community introduced “Inspector Spacetime,” a parody of Doctor Who, as a fictional show within the series. While no direct crossover occurred, actor Matt Lucas, who appeared as a fan of “Inspector Spacetime,” later became a companion in Doctor Who, playing Nardole.
This meta-parody illustrates how the influence of Doctor Who extends beyond its own universe, inspiring creative interpretations that sometimes circle back to the original series.
Doctor Who Night: A Beacon in the Wilderness Years
During the “Wilderness Years” of Doctor Who, when the series was off-air, fans were treated to “Doctor Who Night” on BBC 2 in 1999. The event featured sketches by Mark Gatiss and David Walliams, including “The Web of Caves,” which served as both parody and homage.
Gatiss, who portrayed the Doctor in the sketch, later became a significant contributor to the revived series, writing episodes and appearing as Professor Richard Lazarus. Walliams also joined the series as Gibbis in “The God Complex.”
Curse of the Fatal Death: Moffat’s Prelude
Perhaps the most successful parody-turned-audition was “The Curse of the Fatal Death,” a Comic Relief sketch written by Steven Moffat. The sketch featured Rowan Atkinson as the Doctor, with multiple regenerations leading to actors like Hugh Grant and Richard E. Grant.
Moffat’s parody was a precursor to his future role as showrunner, where he would implement many ideas first explored in the sketch. The parody’s influence is evident in Moffat’s tenure, with themes and plot devices echoing throughout his episodes.
These examples demonstrate that while Doctor Who parodies are crafted for humor, they often reveal a deeper connection to the series. For many involved, these comedic sketches are not just spoofs but sincere expressions of love for the franchise, serving as auditions for future roles within the Whoniverse.
