‘Doctor Who’ convention, Con Kasterborous, set for June 28-29
(CONTRIBUTED)
HUNTSVILLE – “Doctor Who” fanatics will be intrigued during Con Kasterborous, the North Alabama Doctor Who convention, on June 28-29.
Huntsville has hosted an ever-growing convention since 2012, convention chairperson Bonnie Auten of Madison said. This year, the event will be held at a larger venue, The Westin Huntsville in Bridge Street Town Centre.
Critics praise “Doctor Who,” a British science fiction program, for its clever and surprising writing. Writers re-invent the time-travelling character about every two years.
“The convention is named Con Kasterborous after the constellation that Gallifrey is/was a part of,” Auten said. “The convention began as what seemed a low-key event that, without a ‘doctor’ or companion as guests. Nevertheless, the event managed to bring in around 500 attendees.”
For the 2013 convention, about 1,000 guests enjoyed meeting actress Caitlin Blackwood, who portrays Amelia Pond, on the series.
“For the first time, the convention will see one of the actors who has played the Doctor in the form of Seventh Doctor Sylvester McCoy, who has also played the role of Radagast in the recent Hobbit films,” Auten said. Script editor Andrew Cartmel and comic artist Kelly Yates also will attend.
“The convention will also see actor Gareth David-Lloyd, who played the character Lanto Jones in the spin-off series, ‘Torchwood,'” Auten said.
Panels will discuss various aspects of the series, “both old and new and topics in-between, such as ‘Big Finish’ and fan productions of ‘The Forgotten Doctor,'” Auten said. “Those interested in ‘cos-playing’ (costume play) can take part in the cos-play contest.”
Madison Mayor Trulock will attend the opening ceremony on June 28 at 9 a.m.
Fans can buy merchandise from vendors. In one room, “Doctor Who” episodes will be shown from the series’ long history.
Tickets at the event will cost $60 for both days, $35 for Saturday only and $30 for Sunday. For more information, visit conkasterborous.com.
