News / Arts
Dr Who’s new companion a Bristol graduate
Before she was named as Dr Who’s new companion, Pearl Mackie was treading the boards in Bristol.
Mackie studied drama at the University of Bristol and graduated from Bristol Old Vic Theatre School in 2010. Her first two stage roles that same year after graduating were as Adriana in The Comedy of Errors at Circomedia and Tituba in The Crucible at the Old Vic.
She will become the Doctor’s 41st companion when the new series is broadcast on television screens next year, with filming due to start in Cardiff in the next few weeks.
“I’m incredibly excited to be joining the Doctor Who family,” said Mackie. “It’s such an extraordinary British institution, I couldn’t be prouder to call the TARDIS my home!
“Peter (Capaldi) is such a brilliant actor, and his Doctor is such a wacky and wonderful character. I can’t wait to see what adventures are in store for him and Bill throughout time and space.”
Capaldi called Mackie “a fine, fine actress with a wonderful zest and charm. She’s a refreshing addition to the TARDIS and will bring a universe of exciting new possibilities to The Doctor’s adventures”.
Charlotte Moore, the BBC’s acting director of television, added: “Pearl brings a wonderful energy and lights up the screen. She will captivate Doctor Who fans old and new across the globe.”
Pearl played Anne-Marie Frasier in Doctors in 2014 and is currently performing in the National Theatre’s West End production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time.
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