This superbly-produced four-LP gatefold release is certain to be a sought-after collector's item for ‘Doctor Who' fans. It follows 2023's ‘Doctor Who – The Tom Baker Record Collection’ and achieves the same high standards. The discs are pressed on either green or blue 140g vinyl. Inside, you'll find a colour folded inlay and a 12-inch photographic print of Jon Pertwee as the Third Doctor from one of his most iconic publicity portraits.
The first two green LPs contain the story ‘The Curse of Peladon'. This is an audiobook version of the Target novelisation that Jon Pertwee recorded in 1995. As well as enjoying Pertwee's reading of Brian Hayles' story, which is generally regarded as a top tier Third Doctor adventure, listeners can also hear vignettes during the last few minutes of every side. I've been a fan of classic ‘Doctor Who' for over forty years, and many of these rarities I don't recall hearing before.
Discover Jon Pertwee and Elisabeth Sladen (Sarah Jane Smith) in a 1974 commercial sketch for British Leyland, sponsors of Goodwood Races, whilst they were making ‘Doctor Who'. It's unusual to hear BBC stars, in character, advertising. As is often the way with these projects, the script is clunky and probably written in a hurry, but it's great to hear Pertwee and Sladen together, and it's Sladen who carries it. Side B has an extract from a 1974 episode of ‘Profile' in which Pertwee is on dazzling form. He especially relishes the time he was acclaimed as one of the five best-dressed men in England!
At the end of the third side, you can hear Pertwee talking about his return to the role for a stage show in 1989 from ‘Newsbeat'. He was also known as ‘Worzel Gummidge' at the time, and he mentions his success playing the scarecrow at every opportunity. Side four has perhaps the best interview with Pertwee in this collection. It's a longer extract in which he talks to Simon Bates on BBC Radio 1 in 1992. The great man wittily regales Bates with the story of how he left ‘Doctor Who' after they refused to raise his fee, and (‘Doctor Who' fans will love this) talks affectionately about his friendship with the Second Doctor actor Patrick Troughton.
The bulk of the next two blue vinyl LPs feature Jon Pertwee's 1995 audiobook recording of ‘The Planet of the Daleks' Target novelisation, written by Terrance Dicks. As with the first two LPs, each side also contains a few minutes at the end for treats from the archives. You can hear Pertwee on the BBC Radio 4 comedy show ‘The Skivers' from 1995. Naturally, Pertwee enjoys making a grand entrance. It features Nick Golson, Tim de Jongh and Melanie Giedroyc, who sends up the idea of auditioning as the new companion. On the next side, you can hear a rare extract from a local Birmingham radio show from 1996. Pertwee admits to not being a big science-fiction fan. As well as a blast of the famous ‘Worzel Gummidge' voice, he gives some much-loved anecdotes, such as his reasons for disliking the Daleks. The interview is in anticipation of the Paul McGann US TV movie. Poignantly, its British broadcast would be dedicated to Pertwee's memory as he died the same week.
The fourth and final LP has a few more gems to enjoy. Side G has a poignant extract from ‘Radio Lives' broadcast in October 1996, five months after Pertwee's death. It provides the well-documented but wonderful history of Pertwee's casting in the part. You can hear from Barry Letts, who produced the show in Pertwee's time.
The final additional treat is the full-length recording of ‘Who is the Doctor?', a 1972 pop song. Pertwee, seemingly inspired by William Shatner's unlikely musical career, speak-sings some intriguing lyrics over an up-tempo discotheque version of the well-known ‘Doctor Who' theme tune. Pertwee brings sparkle to the recording. “I cross the void beyond the mind, the empty space that circles time.” Despite its brilliance, the song didn't trouble the top ten in the hit parade.
The audiobooks spread across the four vinyls also feature the ‘Doctor Who' theme tune by Ron Grainer. The spooky music can't help but prepare listeners for an exciting adventure. It's a joy to spend so much time in the company of Jon Pertwee as he brings to life two classic stories from his tenure. The era of the Third Doctor is rightly among the most celebrated in the show's history.
Demon Records celebrates Jon Pertwee’s flamboyant portrayal of the famous Time Lord, 55 years after he made his screen debut on 3 January 1970, and almost thirty years after his death. ‘The Jon Pertwee Collection' is an essential part of every fan's collection. If space on the bookcase is an issue, the title has also been released on CD.
Cast: Jon Pertwee, Elisabeth Sladen Writers: Brian Hayles, Terrance Dicks Released by: Demon Music Group Release date: 4th July 2025 Buy ‘Doctor Who: The Jon Pertwee Collection'
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