I note the poster chose to edit the Blake's 7 newsletter for some reason. How strange!

Here it is in full, anyway.

Date: Mar 23 2001 14:41:29 EST From: "Blake's 7" avon@blakes7.com Subject: Blake's 7: BLAKE’S 7 NEWSLETTER: March 2001

Welcome to the first of our monthly bulletins giving you the very latest news and gossip about the planned BLAKE'S 7 telemovie.

Over the coming months we'll be giving you the "exclusive" inside story on the telemovie (including previews of the new logo, concept art, story outline, etc.), and related activities such as; the B7 website, gaming (on & off-line), publishing and so on. Paul Darrow and myself will be contributing a regular column charting the genesis of the project and offering a candid account of the trials and tribulations associated with getting a project of this magnitude off the launch pad.

Your feed back at avon@blakes7.com is always welcome and indeed encouraged. Remember that whatever rumours you may hear or read in the media the real truth will only be found here!

Regards

Andrew Mark Sewell, Executive Producer, B7 Enterprises

Latest News:

Aside from premiering what's hot on the BLAKE'S 7 telemovie, we'll also be turning the spotlight on what's newsworthy in the wider BLAKE'S 7 universe.

If you're planning a BLAKE'S 7 convention, want to discover what your favourite cast members are up to or simply want to check out our website recommendations then read on ...

B7 Website (www.blakes7.com)

Many of you have been asking when the website will be launched. Well the answer is that it's being developed as you read this and will continue to be over the coming months. Our attention is currently focused on the telemovie, but rest assured we have some exciting plans for the website in the pipeline, however it's unlikely that these will come to fruition until the end of this year, the launch of which will coincide with the pre-production phase of the movie.

Darrow's Inside Story:

In his own inimitable style, Paul Darrow lifts the lid on the genesis of the planned BLAKE'S 7 revival.

"In the beginning ... there was Andrew Mark Sewell, Head of Content & Syndication, Internet and Interactive at BBC Worldwide. With a longer title then Servalan or, for that matter, Zsa Zsa Gabor when she was Queen of Outer Space, it was clear that Mr. Sewell was no hologram and that he commanded respect.

Dutifully, therefore, when summoned, Brian Lighthill, director of the BBC radio plays based on Terry Nation's "Blake's 7", and Paul Darrow, erstwhile star of said adventure, presented themselves in the lush surrounding of Mr Sewell's Internet lair. There to be questioned by technologically adept scrutineers of modern science-fiction theory and practice.

It soon became clear that, "Blake's 7", after almost twenty years of absence from our television screens, lingered in the memories and affections of numerous aficionados worldwide. So much so, that the Internet "hits" (or PI's for you cyber-cadets), outdid those of many current celebrities and equaled those of "Baby Spice"! It didn't take a rocket scientist to conclude that a TV Movie based on the original, "Blake's 7", concept was a viable proposition. Particularly, one might imagine, if it starred Emma Bunton.

Andrew Mark Sewell ... three names are fashionable in show business today -witness; Catherine Zeta Jones, Benicio del Toro and Jean Paul Belmondo, to name but nine ... he it was who sparked the likelihood of a revival of one of the most lauded and, it must be admitted, derided, TV shows of all time ... when he uttered the immortal words ... "Hey, can't we make some money here - I mean, can't we satisfy the needs and desires of science-fiction fans deprived of gritty drama, cool dialogue and sensible production values?" The word, 'money', galvanized Mr. Darrow, but Mr. Lighthill, altogether more cerebral, locked onto, 'needs and desires', and, thus it was that a pact was made. "Blake's 7", would rise again. But ... when, where and how?

* Firstly, it was established that Messrs Lighthill and Darrow would not have to acquire a third name. * Secondly, it would be necessary to acquire the, 'rights', to re- make and broadcast a version of Terry Nation's original concept. * Thirdly, a suitable storyline would have to be developed into a viable script. * Fourthly, money would need to be raised in order to film the Movie. * Fifthly, a distributor would have to be found (otherwise, nobody would ever see it).

Of course, attractive and acceptable actors would need to be found to recreate the, 'Seven', because, wouldn't you know, the originals had been killed off in the last of four series in 1980/1981. Except for one ... the character of Avon. Played by, as luck would have it, Paul Darrow. (Score one advantage point!)

Further, Paul Darrow ... who once considered Drac Tarquin as a possible stage name - but that's another story - was a close friend of Terry Nation (now sadly departed) and Terry had confided that he would, at some time, like a TV Movie to made of his creation and had indicated a basic storyline. (Two advantage points!)

It was decided that a telephone call to Mrs. Kate Nation ... now living in California USA ... should be made to ascertain her willingness for a TV Movie to be made and, of course, to secure her support for same. Needless to say, she was delighted and enthusiastic and, subject to the project remaining faithful to Terry's ideal, would be willing to allow Messrs Sewell, Lighthill and Darrow to proceed. (Three advantage points!

Up to this point ... thrills and spills, and sheer delight. From now on ... well, put it this way ... have you ever tried to make a TV Movie?

Next time ... find out how the intrepid three (seven - if you count the number of names they have) progress. Will there be a new, "Blake's 7"?

Of course there will, but ... when, where and how?

TO BE CONTINUED...

The Original Cast of Blake's 7 ... Where are they now?

Ever wondered what happened to the original TV cast of Blake's 7? Here's your chance to find out ...

Gareth Thomas played BLAKE (Seasons 1 -2 plus the final episodes of Seasons 3 & 4). His most recent roles were playing the duel roles of Polonius and The Gravedigger in 'Hamlet' at the Brunton Theatre, and he is about to commence filming as the Vicar in 'Shipman' a drama documentary for Yorkshire TV. Notable TV roles since 'Blake's 7' include Morgan in the BBC's 'Morgan's Boy', the recurring role of Bulstrode in 'London's Burning' and Nathanial Clegghorn in 'Heartbeat'.

Paul Darrow played AVON (Seasons 1-4). The most recent of his numerous theatrical roles was starring as Captain Vimes in a stage adaptation of Terry Pratchett's 'Guards! Guards!' in two UK tours. His favourite theatrical role to date was playing his hero, Elvis Presley, in the UK tour of Alan Bleasdale's 'Are you Lonesome Tonight'. He is currently appearing in Channel 4's 'SF:UK', an 8-part documentary about the history of British Science Fiction, and recently played C.D. in Rob Grant's SF comedy 'The Strangerers' on Sky 1. Paul is also one of the UK's premier voiceover artists, narrating TV documentaries, videos and CD-ROMs; notably the BBC 's 'Walking with Dinosaurs' and Rage Productions 'Hostile Waters' to be released on 30th March, as well as TV and radio trailers and adverts.

Sally Knyvette played JENNA (Seasons 1-2). She recently appeared in an episode of 'Coronation Street' as Marji Quigley and has just completed filming on 'The Safe House' as Sylvia, to be screened in the UK around Easter. Sally is perhaps best known as Kate Sugden in Yorkshire TV's popular soap, 'Emmerdale'. She has also worked extensively in theatre, directing as well as acting.

Jan Chappell played CALLY (Seasons 1-3). Most recent of her many theatrical roles was playing Mme de Volanges in the prestigious UK tour of 'Les Liaisons Dangereuses'. She appears in the film 'Greenfingers', recently shown at the Toronto Film Festival and her most recent TV appearance was as WPC Holden in the dramatised documentary 'The Colour of Justice' on BBC 2, a role she also played in the stage production.

Michael Keating played VILA (Seasons 1-4). His most recent TV appearance was as Graham in an episode of BBC 1's hospital drama series, 'Casualty', and most recent of his many stage appearances was as Steven Spettigue in 'Charley's Aunt'.

Steven Pacey played TARRANT (Seasons 3-4). He recently starred in two Harold Pinter plays, 'Celebration' and 'The Room' at the Almeida Theatre and will be recreating these roles in a special presentation of the plays in New York during the summer. Steven has had a succession of starring roles in West End shows, and also works extensively on radio and recording audio books.

Josette Simon played DAYNA (Seasons 3-4). Her most recent theatrical roles were as Queen Elisabeth in 'Don Carlos' and as Hippolyta and Titania in 'A Midsummer Night's Dream' for the RSC. She was awarded an OBE for Services to Drama in the Queen's Birthday Honours List. She has just recorded 'Polterguest' for Carlton TV.

Glynis Barber played SOOLIN (Season 4). Glynis has recently appeared in several movies, including 'On the Nose' with Dan Ackroyd and 'The Fairy King of Ar' with Malcolm McDowell and Corbin Bernson. Recent TV appearances were in the BBC daytime soap 'Doctors' and an episode of 'Dark Realm' for Warner Brothers. She is probably best known as Sgt. Harry Makepeace in 'Dempsey and Makepeace'.

David Jackson played Gan (Seasons 1-2). His most recent production was producing and performing in 'My House Guest Dr Johnson' at the Gallery Theatre, and has appeared extensively on stage and TV.

Jacqueline Pearce played SERVALAN/SLEER (Seasons 1-4). She is currently appearing in a new comedy 'Aphrodite Blues' as Caroline at the New End Theatre, Hampstead, and recently played a psychiatrist in 'Deceptions'. Jacqueline created 'A Star is Torn' - a one-woman show based on her life story - which was performed at the Edinburgh Festival.

Stephen Greif played TRAVIS (Season 1). He is currently appearing in 'Fallen Angels' at the Apollo Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue, following a UK tour. Stephen also works extensively as a voiceover artist, narrating documentaries and voicing links/trailers for both terrestrial and satellite TV.

Brian Croucher played TRAVIS (Season 2). His most recent theatrical roles were as Alderman Fitzwarren and the Sultan of Morocco in 'Dick Whittington' at Redditch, preceded by playing Stalin in 'Lenin in Love' at the New End Theatre. Brian is perhaps best known for his TV role, Ted Hill, in 'EastEnders'.

Peter Tuddenham played Zen, Orac and Slave (Seasons 1-4). Peter has worked extensively on radio, his most recent role playing a vicar in 'The Cry of the Bittern' for the BBC's 'Woman's Hour'. He was most recently seen in front of the camera in BBC 2's 'I Love 1970's' being interviewed along with Gareth Thomas, Paul Darrow and Jacqueline Pearce.

Most of the cast regularly appear at science fiction conventions throughout the UK and overseas. We will be updating you on any current productions/events via these newsletters, but for a full list of their work over the past years as well as background information on the original series and its cast and crew, you may like to visit the fan club website at www.horizon.org.uk.

Our thanks to Diane Gies, Horizon fan club Co-ordinator, for providing the cast news.

Coming Next Month ...

* Read the next all exciting installment of Paul Darrow's inside story! * We unveil some of the new logo designs! * Latest news on the script!

Don't forget to tell your fellow aficionado's what they're missing by not signing up to the official BLAKE'S 7 Newsletter.

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