Actor, voice artist, raconteur, ghost, intergalactic black marketer… Simon Fisher-Becker is a man of many faces, but non possibly more famous than Dorium Maldovar during Matt Smith’s era of Doctor Who.

Starring in the key The Pandorica Opens, A Good Man Goes to War and The Wedding of River Song, Simon and Dorium quickly became a firm favourite among fans.

Simon has kindly agreed to speak to DWW on a range of topics, from the family atmosphere on set to his upcoming plans with new comedy Puppy Love and My Dalek Has a Puncture…

Simon has said that two hours are allowed for make-up for Dorium but it normally takes less.

Your career has been hugely varied, taking in everything from Shakespeare to audio plays, movies and television. What was it attracted you to acting?

Acting is something I tried at school and found in the main it was something I could do reasonably well. Some things came to me naturally and other skills I had to work on. I did not consider taking up Acting professionally until I was made redundant from the Civil Service in the mid-80’s.

If you could go back and give yourself some advice prior to the start of your career, what would it be?

Build a thick skin earlier. ALL actors are just that - actors. Famous people are no different from non-famous people - particularly actors. Try not to be intimidated. Give yourself regular ME days.

Were you a fan of Doctor Who prior to being cast as Dorium?

Absolutely. It was a family tradition to watch. I was two when Doctor Who started so I do not remember the first episode but I clearly remember watching William Hartnell change into Patrick Troughton.

A Good Man Goes to War

You first appeared in The Pandorica Opens in 2010 before gaining a bigger role in 2011’s A Good Man Goes to War, how did your return to the series come about? did you expect to return once again in The Wedding of River Song after your beheading?

Originally Dorium’s appearance was only six lines in one scene in The Pandorica Opens. It was exactly a year when my agent got the call for A Good Man Goes To War. Naturally when Dorium lost his head I thought, ‘oh that’s a shame’. To my amazement the call for The Wedding of River Song came about a month after filming A Good Man Goes To War.

What is the experience and atmosphere like working on set for Doctor Who?

Everyone you ask this question of will give the same answer - it’s like being a member of family. Long hours, sometimes uncomfortable but in the main hugely enjoyable.

The character of Dorium quickly became a fan favourite in the new series and you yourself have been very popular on the convention circuit, were you surprised at the positive reaction? what have been your most positive experiences on the circuit?

When I first saw my bald blue head in the mirror I recall thinking - what a stricking image. Each script beautifully written giving more and more layers to Dorium is the fan fascination. The convention circuit is fantastic. I have travelled the world, met some of my own heroes and made some good friends. Above all, meeting the fans is the best thing of all.

As The Fat Friar in Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone

As well as Dorium, you also played Hufflepuff House ghost The Fat Friar in the first Harry Potter film Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone. How do you compare working on the two iconic series’? is the reaction you get from the two sets of fans similar, or is it a different crowd?

I consider myself very luck to have worked on Harry Potter. It was a brilliant experience but disappointing too. Most of what the ghosts filmed ended up on the cutting room floor. But Harry Potter Fans don’t care! They are just as wonderful as Doctor Who fans.

With Series 8 of Doctor Who debuting this weekend, would you be interested in returning to the show in the future alongside Peter Capaldi? Do you believe that there is more we can learn about Dorium?

There is a huge amount to learn about Dorium. I have let it be known I would be happy to continue playing Dorium. I would love to go head to head with Peter Capaldi. Will Dorium return..? That’s up to the Powers that be.

You have also performed in several plays for Big Finish Productions, perhaps most notably the Gallifrey V series. How do you like the medium as an actor? what are the differences that the medium demands?

Audio work is surprisingly exhausting. I thoroughly enjoy it and find it is very physical too. When performing on stage or before a camera you have your whole body to help get the message across. In radio and other audio set ups you only have your voice so you find yourself exaggerating body movements and pulling your face into all sorts of shapes to help produce the vocal sound you are aiming for. I love It.

Later this year you’ll be seen alongside Joanna Scanlan and Vicki Pepperdine with guest appearances including, Tobias Menzies in the new BBC comedy Puppy Love. Can you tell us a bit about the new show and your role?

In a nutshell it’s the story of two very strong women coping with teenage love, tantrums and angst. Disappointing husbands and very cute dogs. If you like Getting On - you will love Puppy Love. I play the regular character of Tony Fazackerly - Joanna Scanlan’s husband. Joanna & Vicki very took into account my mobility issues - Tony is a disabled agoraphobic!

Your one man show, My Dalek Has a Puncture is continuing to tour, appearing next at the Melton Theatre in Melton Mowbray on September 6. How are you enjoying the run so far? Do you find being a raconteur comes easy with the life of an actor?

It’s been a real learning curve but thoroughly enjoyable. The travelling is tiring but the response from the crowds it therapeutic. ‘My Dalek Has A Puncture’ runs for ninety minutes plus Q & A. Followed by signing session in the bar, where I find I do another forty minutes or so. The autobiographical element awakens similar memories and the audiences just want to talk more about their own personal experiences. Some reviews have used the term Motivational - something I did not plan. Am I a natural raconteur…? Came along and find out for yourself!

Simon-Fisher-Becker can be next seen in his own man show in Melton Mowbray on Saturday September 6 at 7.30pm followed by Broadway Barking, Essex on Sunday September 14 at 3.00pm. Full Tour Details can be found at: www.fisherbecker.info

DWW wishes to thank Simon Fisher-Becker for his time and we leave you with this… from The Wedding of River Song - “Doctor Who?”