What happens when the "masterpiece" you expected turns out to be just the beginning of a very different journey?
In this first part of a special release from the archives, I’m sharing the beginning of my landmark conversation with the legendary Paul McGann. Recorded in May 2020 and originally released in August 2020, this was Paul’s first-ever podcast interview. While he has hosted many shows since then, this remains the definitive look at the moment he first "went down the rabbit hole" to discuss his life and career with a fan.
To coincide with the 30th anniversary of the 1996 Doctor Who TV movie, Paul shares the story of his childhood Olympic dreams, his "acting family" business, and the "indifference" of show business. We talk about why the fans are the true custodians of the TARDIS and why stories are sometimes the only thing that can save our morale and tip the scales toward kindness.
I’m Nancy Norbeck, and I’m your Messy Muse Mentor. I help people feel alive again through creativity, curiosity, and play.
In this episode, we discuss:
The 2020 Perspective: A snapshot of creative survival recorded in May 2020 during the first months of the pandemic.The Failed Athlete: Why Paul’s first ambition wasn't the stage, and how he navigated the "brutality" of not making the cut.The RADA Turning Point: How a "confused kid" who nearly joined the Navy found his way to the Royal Academy.The Custodians of History: Why the fans, not the actors, are the ones who truly look after the Doctor's legacy.Ready to send your inner critic to summer camp for an hour and just enjoy some creative company? We get together once a month for a relaxed, co-working-style session where you can work on whatever you want—without any pressure to do it "right." Join the Creativity Circle.
Episode breakdown:
0:00 Introduction
1:26 Paul's first-ever podcast interview (Recorded May 2020)
3:24 The Liverpool "acting family" business
5:20 Childhood Olympic dreams and the "brutality" of sport
10:15 Auditioning for RADA and being a "confused kid"
13:38 Sharing an agent with three brothers
19:46 2020 Lockdown: Sanity, cycling, and simple things
23:02 Rehearsing with the brothers for a West End hit
33:14 Bruce Robinson's advice: "Just take the next thing"
39:05 From convention skeptic to fan family
45:46 The 1996 Pilot and the 5-year Vancouver plan
54:32 The Power of Stories: Fables, mythologies, and morale
58:30 Reclaiming kindness: Lessons from the Doctor
1:13:58 Keeping the secret: The "Night of the Doctor" return
Want more? Here are handy playlists with all my previous interviews with guests in theatre and Doctor Who.
Check out the full show notes at fycuriosity.com, and join us for the Follow Your Curiosity Creativity Circle.
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