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Behind The Sofa: Celebrity Memories of Doctor Who
Behind The Sofa is a collection of over 100 celebrity memories of Doctor Who, compiled in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK. Steve Berry decided to undertake this project in memory of his mother Janet, who suffered from Alzheimer's in her final years and passed away in 2009. The book has taken more than four years to put together and its publication has been "crowd-funded" by the pre-orders of an enthusiastic Whovian community. 100% of the book royalties, proceeds and net profit will be donated to Alzheimer's Research UK. Contributors include comedians Al Murray, Stephen Merchant, and Bill Oddie; actors Lynda Bellingham, Nicholas Parsons, and Rhys Thomas; writers Neil Gaiman, Jenny Colgan, Jonathan Ross and Charlie Brooker and politicians Louise Mensch and Tom Harris. In addition, there is input from a number of the writers, actors and production staff who were involved in creating Doctor Who stories new and old. "I always had a sneaking suspicion that everyone in the world loves Doctor Who. Now I have proof! If I could get all the famous names who contributed to this book into one room, it would be the maddest Doctor Who party ever. Until then, their favourite memories of the programme are preserved for all to see. Plus, everyone who buys a copy will be helping to give hope to the 820,000 people in the UK living with dementia today," says author Steve Berry. The book has been beautifully illustrated by popular Doctor Who Magazine artist Ben Morris and is a must-have for Whovians worldwide.
200 pages, Hardcover
First published September 27, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
January 26, 2020
This book is a delight, containing over 160 personal memories of `Doctor Who' from companions, other actors, writers, celebrity fans - even the man who axed it ... or thought he did! It's a warm and often very funny set of anecdotes, cleverly illustrated with an appropriate icon for each contribution and many full page illustrations, each ingeniously drawing on the related memory.
I couldn't see an obviously visible order to the contributions; alphabetical, chronological or Doctorial. I liked that, it makes the collection equally fun to read through sequentially, or to hop in and out of like E-Space but much easier.
Did the nation's children really, literally hide `behind the sofa'? I was certainly frozen to ours by "Terror of the Autons" (what a first story to watch, aged 6 - it even has a killer `sofa' in it!), then sat expectantly on the sofa while the football results went by, every `Doctor Who' Saturday for years, but actually hide behind the sofa? If so, it's a tribute to the show's scariness; if not, it's an even higher tribute that a science fiction programme on a tiny budget could produce urban myth.
This book is an enjoyable journey through time, space and memory to help an excellent cause - Alzheimer's Research UK. What more could any fan of the Doctor want?
I couldn't see an obviously visible order to the contributions; alphabetical, chronological or Doctorial. I liked that, it makes the collection equally fun to read through sequentially, or to hop in and out of like E-Space but much easier.
Did the nation's children really, literally hide `behind the sofa'? I was certainly frozen to ours by "Terror of the Autons" (what a first story to watch, aged 6 - it even has a killer `sofa' in it!), then sat expectantly on the sofa while the football results went by, every `Doctor Who' Saturday for years, but actually hide behind the sofa? If so, it's a tribute to the show's scariness; if not, it's an even higher tribute that a science fiction programme on a tiny budget could produce urban myth.
This book is an enjoyable journey through time, space and memory to help an excellent cause - Alzheimer's Research UK. What more could any fan of the Doctor want?
December 10, 2012
Behind the Sofa is a book of short memories and anecdotes about growing up with and being a fan of Doctor Who. It's got celebrities, people that appeared in the show, other people connected to Doctor Who and some people that I didn't really recognise but still shared some great stories.
Whovians will love it and it gives a lovely impression of what being a fan of Doctor Who is like. I imagine many people when reading will be continuously saying "me too!" and getting slightly jealous when someone talks about that one serial that you never managed to see.
It's more directed to fans of the classic series due to the age of most of the contributors but there are plenty of references to the new series too. Who knows, maybe in 40 years time we can have another version with this generation's celebs sharing their memories?
A great read for any Doctor Who fan and proceeds go to a brilliantly worthy cause, Alzheimer's Research UK.
Whovians will love it and it gives a lovely impression of what being a fan of Doctor Who is like. I imagine many people when reading will be continuously saying "me too!" and getting slightly jealous when someone talks about that one serial that you never managed to see.
It's more directed to fans of the classic series due to the age of most of the contributors but there are plenty of references to the new series too. Who knows, maybe in 40 years time we can have another version with this generation's celebs sharing their memories?
A great read for any Doctor Who fan and proceeds go to a brilliantly worthy cause, Alzheimer's Research UK.
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January 11, 2013A collection of celebrity memories of Doctor Who - whether watching, appearing in, writing, meeting the stars, or some combination of the above. My favourites, I think, are the ones from people with a more recent involvement - the ones who met Tom Baker as a child and subsequently got to write for it. Presumably because they're the ones with whom I find it easiest to identify.
Obviously, with any book of this sort, the value of the word 'celebrity' will vary. There are companions (though no Doctors), and Terrance Dicks, and fans of note with no direct connection from Toby Young to Rufus Hound. But there are also bods who played redshirts in undistinguished episodes, and journalists from magazines I've never heard of. But even then, most entries are charming, and it is all in the eminently worthwhile cause of Alzheimer's research.
Obviously, with any book of this sort, the value of the word 'celebrity' will vary. There are companions (though no Doctors), and Terrance Dicks, and fans of note with no direct connection from Toby Young to Rufus Hound. But there are also bods who played redshirts in undistinguished episodes, and journalists from magazines I've never heard of. But even then, most entries are charming, and it is all in the eminently worthwhile cause of Alzheimer's research.
November 9, 2012
This a book about the memories people have about Doctor Who. Some acted on the show, some are just celebration. To some it might not make much sense to read a series of memories, but there are two good reasons.
For Doctor Who fans, as you read the stories you start thinking about the episode they might be talking about. Or if it was someone on the show, finding out their recollections of being on it.
If you are not a Doctor Who fan, you can start to understand the love people have for the show and how it impacted a lot of people.
The extra bonus from this book is that 100% of the royalties will be donated to Alzheimer's Research UK. Which ties in nicely to the books concepts of memories.
Highly recommended.
For Doctor Who fans, as you read the stories you start thinking about the episode they might be talking about. Or if it was someone on the show, finding out their recollections of being on it.
If you are not a Doctor Who fan, you can start to understand the love people have for the show and how it impacted a lot of people.
The extra bonus from this book is that 100% of the royalties will be donated to Alzheimer's Research UK. Which ties in nicely to the books concepts of memories.
Highly recommended.
December 30, 2018
https://nwhyte.livejournal.com/3113539.html
This was a fundraiser for Alzheimer’s Research UK, complied in 2012 and updated in 2013, which does what it says on the tin - 100 celebrities with one or two pages each about their own ealiest memories of Doctor Who, with an introduction by Terry Pratchett (who is much politer about Doctor Who than I remember him being in person). I think the standout for me is Anneke Wills’ reaction to one of her old episodes being found, not quite what was requested but very moving in terms of recovering lost memories, which is the hope behind the compilation of the book. But it’s all very nice, and I think non-Whovians might enjoy it too.
This was a fundraiser for Alzheimer’s Research UK, complied in 2012 and updated in 2013, which does what it says on the tin - 100 celebrities with one or two pages each about their own ealiest memories of Doctor Who, with an introduction by Terry Pratchett (who is much politer about Doctor Who than I remember him being in person). I think the standout for me is Anneke Wills’ reaction to one of her old episodes being found, not quite what was requested but very moving in terms of recovering lost memories, which is the hope behind the compilation of the book. But it’s all very nice, and I think non-Whovians might enjoy it too.
June 26, 2016
Super-short essays, but quite good fun!
August 20, 2016
Enjoyable essays about how Dr Who has impacted lives across the years.
March 3, 2021
Some interesting Doctor Who related anecdotes and memories
May 30, 2023
Fun and touching anecdotes.
July 21, 2015
Behind the Sofa Celebrity Memories of Doctor Who is a essay collection put together to raise money for Alzheimer's Research UK. A number of people relate stories about Doctor Who - some of whom I knew of (Neil Gaiman, Jonathon Ross, etc) some I didn't. Some of the interviewees describe themselves as massive fans of the show, many having seen it from the very beginning in 1963. Others are newer fans, having started to watch New Who in 2005 or even later (one or two even started with Matt Smith). Others, such as Micheal Grade admit not liking the show. Grade's interview is an interesting artifact - he seems to almost take pride in taking Doctor Who off the air then turns around and says New Who, particularly with Russell T. Davies at the helm was brilliant. In Grade's mind, he seems to think he's solely responsible for the success of New Who (newsflash - he isn't).
Some of the essays in the book are brilliant. Most are interesting. Some contain fascinating stories and trivia. Several people with connections to Doctor Who are interviewed - but this isn't solely a collection of essays by actors and other people involved in making the program. Some of the essays, especially regarding the book being a fund-raiser for Alzheimer's Research - are heart-breaking.
What struck me once I had finished the book is just how much Doctor Who is a cultural touchstone in the UK - literally everyone is familiar with the show. They might not have watched it during the Classic Era. Or they might have only watched the program occasionally. But it's familiar to the British people, and is a cultural well, since I don't like the phrase "phenom" - touchstone. I had heard similar comments before - but I hadn't really thought about it. I guess I saw the show as a classic but still an SF "cult" show - something the "cool" people watched and everyone else ignored. But it's an everyday classic in the UK, and everyone is familiar with the show, the TARDIS, and the Daleks.
If you can find a copy of this book, do buy one. You'll be helping a great cause, and it's a good read!
Some of the essays in the book are brilliant. Most are interesting. Some contain fascinating stories and trivia. Several people with connections to Doctor Who are interviewed - but this isn't solely a collection of essays by actors and other people involved in making the program. Some of the essays, especially regarding the book being a fund-raiser for Alzheimer's Research - are heart-breaking.
What struck me once I had finished the book is just how much Doctor Who is a cultural touchstone in the UK - literally everyone is familiar with the show. They might not have watched it during the Classic Era. Or they might have only watched the program occasionally. But it's familiar to the British people, and is a cultural well, since I don't like the phrase "phenom" - touchstone. I had heard similar comments before - but I hadn't really thought about it. I guess I saw the show as a classic but still an SF "cult" show - something the "cool" people watched and everyone else ignored. But it's an everyday classic in the UK, and everyone is familiar with the show, the TARDIS, and the Daleks.
If you can find a copy of this book, do buy one. You'll be helping a great cause, and it's a good read!
April 3, 2014
Behind the Sofa: Celebrity Memories of Doctor Who is a wonderful collection of mainly British celebrity memories of favorite moments in their lives relating to Doctor Who.
It's an interesting look into how the show has affected their lives, even connecting some with others in the industry, and generally celebrates the many years of the program's existence.
I sometimes found myself, as a fan, relating to some of the stories told, while gaining some insight into what it was like to grow up in the U.K as a fan of the series.
The best part is that all of the proceeds made from the book go to benefit Alzheimer’s Research UK, which funds research into finding a cure for dementia.
At only around 200 pages, the book is a fast read, and I found that it was hard to put it down, wanting to move on from one recollection to another.
Definitely a must read for any Doctor Who fan.
It's an interesting look into how the show has affected their lives, even connecting some with others in the industry, and generally celebrates the many years of the program's existence.
I sometimes found myself, as a fan, relating to some of the stories told, while gaining some insight into what it was like to grow up in the U.K as a fan of the series.
The best part is that all of the proceeds made from the book go to benefit Alzheimer’s Research UK, which funds research into finding a cure for dementia.
At only around 200 pages, the book is a fast read, and I found that it was hard to put it down, wanting to move on from one recollection to another.
Definitely a must read for any Doctor Who fan.
July 25, 2014
Behind the Sofa: Celebrity Memories of Doctor Who is a collection of more than 150 short pieces by authors, actors, politicians, first responders, musicians - all sorts, really, and not all of them "Celebrities" - recounting their earliest or strongest memories of Doctor Who and what the 50-year-old program has meant to them. Each entry will tell you briefly who the person was, add some amusing one-liner about their sometimes tenuous connection to Who, and include a unique graphic like those on the cover, relevant to the story it tells (there are very few repeats). It's a fun, breezy way to present the material, and the essays range from silly to poignant, as written by luminaries - Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman, Julian Glover and lots of actors who have been in Doctor Who (including companions, but no Doctors) - or by people you won't believe the editors tracked down, like the girl who played Tegan on the TARDIS tent packaging art! And profits go to Alzheimer's research.
November 11, 2012
This is arguably one of the best Doctor Who books that has been published in recent years: a warm-hearted celebration of the series and why its fans love it so much. Filled with over one hundred recollections by celebrities - the celebrity angle rarely matters hugely, they could in many cases be written by any enthusiastic fan - it is an absorbing and fascinating read. There is a little repetition in places, for example quite a few of the people visited the Doctor Who exhibition in Blackpool as children - I wish I had! But generally the book is filled with variety, occasionally memories from adulthood, more usually childhood recollections. For anyone who has fallen in love with Doctor Who, particularly as a child, new series or classic, this is a must read. And as a bonus the book is raising money for Alzheimer's research.
October 18, 2014
A great collection of Doctor Who-themed personal anecdotage from the great and good (and not so good), covering the entire viewing spectrum from the sort of person who knows production codes to the sort that couldn't care less but they liked it when it was Tom Pertwee and the maggots or something. Some are the sort of people you wouldn't normally wish to hear from even in the name of charity, but Steve has put such fantastic work into the actual sequencing and flow of the contributions that you just find yourself getting swept along with it, even if it does result in you willingly reading something by Louise Sodding Mensch. Without wanting to give anything away, the final entry is unexpectedly moving too. A charity book that for once really does reflect the editor's determination to do something significant.
November 5, 2014
As a massive Whovian, I was wondering just how interesting this book could be.
In fact, I was a little worried that because the show is popular again and it's the 'cool thing' to watch it at the moment, that it would be a group of people that know nothing about the show just sprouting off random platitudes about how much they have always loved it.
That's not the case at all.
We have a massively wide spectrum of people here discussing their memories of the show ranging from writers to performers that have been in the show itself as well as behind the scenes folks too. Their memories are heart felt, funny and more!
For the full review then please visit my blog.
http://curiosityofasocialmisfit.blogs...
In fact, I was a little worried that because the show is popular again and it's the 'cool thing' to watch it at the moment, that it would be a group of people that know nothing about the show just sprouting off random platitudes about how much they have always loved it.
That's not the case at all.
We have a massively wide spectrum of people here discussing their memories of the show ranging from writers to performers that have been in the show itself as well as behind the scenes folks too. Their memories are heart felt, funny and more!
For the full review then please visit my blog.
http://curiosityofasocialmisfit.blogs...
November 28, 2015
'Behind the Sofa' is a collection of tributes to Doctor Who, written by celebrities in aid of Alzheimer's Research UK. My favourite author qualification by far was Paul Cornell's, who 'received a letter of praise for his Doctor Who stories from Kate Bush.' Everything about this sentence delights me! Other highlights were contributions from Neil Gaiman and Josie Long, and Charlie Brooker sharing my own disappointment that the good Doctor did not appear in the 2012 Olympics opening ceremony. I think the combination of Doctor Who and a good cause makes for lovely reading, would definitely recommend it!
Humans. You're so nostalgic!
Humans. You're so nostalgic!
February 13, 2013
A series of short Doctor Who related recollections by mainly British celebrities. Some are very funny, some are very moving, some are fascinating and some leave you wanting to know more.
I am glad I live in Australia where the original Doctor Who stuff was repeated many many times, I can imagine the anguish some of the contributors felt about missing an episode back in the 60s or 70s and having to wait for the possible DVD release (assuming it was not a lost episode) decades later to finally see it.
We were involved in the initial 2012 funding of this book and I am glad we were.
I am glad I live in Australia where the original Doctor Who stuff was repeated many many times, I can imagine the anguish some of the contributors felt about missing an episode back in the 60s or 70s and having to wait for the possible DVD release (assuming it was not a lost episode) decades later to finally see it.
We were involved in the initial 2012 funding of this book and I am glad we were.
December 7, 2013
Right, more Doctor Who 50th anniversary stuff...
"Behind the Sofa" is a collection of celebrities' memories of Doctor Who: there are 150+ pieces in here, all about the length of a newspaper column, in which various folk talk about their memories of Doctor Who & what it means to them.
Not only is this a lovely collection of memories, it's also raising money for research into dementia- nice to see a book about memories being used to fund a condition that, among other things, will rob sufferers of their memories.
It's a good book, it's for a great cause- why haven't you bought it yet....?
"Behind the Sofa" is a collection of celebrities' memories of Doctor Who: there are 150+ pieces in here, all about the length of a newspaper column, in which various folk talk about their memories of Doctor Who & what it means to them.
Not only is this a lovely collection of memories, it's also raising money for research into dementia- nice to see a book about memories being used to fund a condition that, among other things, will rob sufferers of their memories.
It's a good book, it's for a great cause- why haven't you bought it yet....?
January 2, 2015
This is a great idea on paper and for a worthy cause, but actually quite dry to read. The novelty of the odd misremembered tale soon wears off, so you at left with a load of similar anecdotes.
They're not all bland - I loved the one from the ambulance driver, and there were a couple of there in there that were really entertaining. But buy it for the fuse it celebrates then stick it on your shelf, reading perhaps one segment a day, don't do what I did and read it like a novel because it's just too dull.
They're not all bland - I loved the one from the ambulance driver, and there were a couple of there in there that were really entertaining. But buy it for the fuse it celebrates then stick it on your shelf, reading perhaps one segment a day, don't do what I did and read it like a novel because it's just too dull.
January 30, 2013
This is a BRILLIANT collection of stories, memories, and whole new thoughts to apply against the Doctor and his travels. Like any good episode, time is a fluid aspect of this book, and fans of any age and era can find as many opportunities to relate as they do to research. This book is a "Must Have" for any fan of the Doctor!
June 6, 2014
Una raccolta di aneddoti e di rivelazioni, che mostrano come buona parte della comununità artistica britanica sia cresciuta con uno o l'altra incarnazione del Dottore.
Una trovata brillante, divertente da leggere e che spesso offre una visione diversa del rapporto che alcuni nomi celebri della serie stessa hanno avuto con essa prima di diventarne parte integrante.
Una trovata brillante, divertente da leggere e che spesso offre una visione diversa del rapporto che alcuni nomi celebri della serie stessa hanno avuto con essa prima di diventarne parte integrante.
August 3, 2016
This crowdfunded book has now raised over £20000 for Alzheimers research, and if that isn't a good enough reason to buy it, I can't think of one!
A collection of memories relating to Doctor Who, this will no doubt jog some of your own.
A fascinating and well recommended read.
A collection of memories relating to Doctor Who, this will no doubt jog some of your own.
A fascinating and well recommended read.
January 29, 2013
Excellent read! Perfect for me to buy as a present to myself and also an excellent idea for anyone who loves a bit of Doctor Who , what with it being full of people's memories of that marvellous TV show. Highly recommended.
February 9, 2013
What a lovely, warm-hearted book of people's memories of Doctor Who. A nostalgic look back at why people love this 50 year old TV series so much. And all in the cause of Alzheimer's research.
It's just a shame that goodreads shows the wrong Steve Berry as the author.
It's just a shame that goodreads shows the wrong Steve Berry as the author.
December 31, 2014
Obsessed Whovians everywhere should read this book. Worth it, not only because proceeds from the book go to a good cause, but also just for Michael Grade's essay. He has the damned cheek to both have canceled the classic series AND be a new series fan. :-)
November 15, 2015
Nothing remarkable, but a pleasant set of golden memories across 50 years of "Doctor Who". Many of them feel very similar, and mush together in a giant mass of nostalgia...but there are gems every few pages that put a smile on the face.
November 13, 2012
Delightful for any serious Whovian. Plus, it benefits a fantastic cause!
November 12, 2012
Brilliant, wonderful and touching. So many parts where I read something and thought "I was like that too!"
January 20, 2014
Many stories are incredibly similar, but that's kind of the magic of the collection. And proceeds go to Alzheimer's research, which is always a plus.
March 10, 2014
A wonderful, funny and emotional nostalgia fest.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews