Graham Williams

On August 6th 1977, the world’s first Doctor Who convention was held in a church hall in Battersea, South London. Organised by The Doctor Who Appreciation Society (DWAS), Convention ’77 was ground breaking, featuring star appearances from the, then, current Doctor Tom Baker with his latest assistant Louise Jameson and former Doctor Who Jon Pertwee. Together with autograph sessions, a display of props, a visual FX lecture by Mat Irvine and talks by Terrance Dicks and producer Graham Williams, this convention set the tone for the future and led directly to the legendary DWAS PanoptiCons of the 1980s and 90s. 40 years later, stars, guests, fans and organisers returned to the church hall to reminiscence about that special day … what they expected and what they experienced. Also, to evaluate its importance … what it started … and what it led to!

On August 6th 1977, the world’s first DOCTOR WHO convention was held at a church hall in Battersea, South London. Organised by The Doctor Who Appreciation Society (DWAS) , Convention ’77 was ground breaking – featuring sta appearances from the (then) current Doctor Tom baker with his latest companion Louise Jameson (Leela) and former Doctor Jon Pertwee. 40 years later, stars, fans and organisers returned to the church hall to reminisce about that special day! In this second volume celebrating the anniversary, we feature a convention panel with organiser Keith Barnfather, contributor Kevin Davies and attendee Andrew Beech, held at another DWAS event The Capitol II on the 7th May 2017.

In 1977, Birkenhead-born first-time producer Graham Williams took over one of the BBC’s most famous shows, Doctor Who. His turbulent three years in the role saw clashes with star Tom Baker, budgetary nightmares and catastrophic industrial action – but also the highest viewing figures the programme has ever achieved. Graham died in 1990, aged just 45, leaving behind a wife and three young children. In this intimate new film, Graham’s family, friends and colleagues look back on a life of darkness and light.