Interview with Doctor Who actor Jamie Hill

Riley: I’m here with actor Jamie Hill. Whovians would know Jamie from Doctor Who. Jamie played some very memorable characters on the show. Just a few would be The Mummy/The Foretold in the episode “The Mummy on the Orient Express”, he was also the monk in Extremis, The Pyramid at the End of the World and The Lie of the Land. Not to mention one of the three actors to play the Silence in series 6, an Ice Warrior, and a Mondasian Cyberman. Though Jamie has played some pretty iconic villains in recent Doctor Who history, he was also a manager at the unfortunately now closed Doctor Who Experience in Cardiff, Wales. My daughter and I were able to fly in from Texas to be able to attend the closing of the Doctor Who Experience and I met and was able to briefly chat with Jamie. 

Riley: Hello Jamie, how are you today? I was wondering if I might be able to ask you just a few questions that will give Doctor Who fans a brief look into the mind of Jamie Hill. 

Jamie: Hi Riley! Great to hear from you again, hope everything is well, I’m great thank you! 

Riley: I’m sure you have many, so I will just narrow it down a little. You have done quite a few episodes of Doctor Who as well as played some pretty cool characters. If you had to choose two of your best memories from your time on set, what would they be?

Jamie: oooo this is a tricky one!

My favourite monster and episode would have to be the Foretold in the Mummy on the Orient Express.

Everybody found the costume extremely creepy and realistic, which is always great when playing any monster/creature character. Then I had a conversation with Daisy Beaumont who played Maisie in the episode about the fish and chips lunch, in full costume - which was quiet funny looking back.

My other favourite time would have to be the filming of the Monk episodes in Series 10, I had the fantastic opportunity to go out to Tenerife to film some of the scenes at an abandoned estate, the scenery was amazing and the whole trip was great fun with all the crew and other actors.

Riley: As I mentioned in the introduction, some Doctor Who fans might not have known that you were also a manager at the Doctor Who Experience in Cardiff. As you know, I was able to visit the Experience that last day it was open. I personally felt a multitude of emotions that day while visiting. I was just enamored at being able to see all there is to see about Doctor Who. From the props to the costumes to meeting Nicholas Briggs, Russell T. Davies, and yourself. We have nothing like that in Texas. Which is why it will always be an “Experience” that I will never forget. But when my visit was over I was saddened. Saddened that unless they open back up, no one will get to see this collection all together again.

Riley: When you found out the news that the Experience was closing its doors for good in Cardiff Bay, what was your thoughts on it? 

Jamie:

The Doctor Who Experience was a massive part of my life after leaving university. 

I started on a zero hour contract there in the shop, I really enjoyed the job and worked hard throughout my time there and eventually became Duty Manager, a massive reward and great feeling to be recognised.

All staff and visitors there were part of my overall experience throughout the 5 years, and I will always have very fond memories.

When I heard it was closing, it was sad. But, it was always planned to be a 5 year project so I felt like I knew the time would come. 

I learnt many skills from general retail and attraction skills to how to build a TARDIS, a great skill to have that I’m sure many would love!

I have moved on from the experience into a new career, and aim to continue my monster/creature acting when I can (keep an eye on Good Omens next year!) but always have great memories when I walk past the old Doctor Who Experience building.

Riley: Well thank you so much for your time, your hospitality, and your all around generosity. You helped make a great trip even greater. 

Jamie:  No problem at all Riley! It was great to have met you and added to the already great experience that you had. The closing of the Doctor Who Experience was a very busy and sad time, but I think we had a great celebration to see it off. 

Hopefully it wasn’t the last of the Doctor Who Experience, and it comes back again somewhere in the future.

Thank you again Jamie,

Riley

Doctor Who Experience 9-9-17

It’s now been past eight years since September 9, 2017, when my daughter and I had the opportunity to visit the Doctor Who Experience in Cardiff, Wales. For those 'Who' are unaware, it was an interactive exhibition showcasing costumes and props from the show. It began with a short film starring Peter Capaldi, recorded specifically for the Experience. A guide led us through a 30-minute adventure following the Doctor’s instructions, taking us to the TARDIS console and sets with awakening Daleks. Our goal, obviously, was to save the planet and the TARDIS.

Once the day was saved, the museum doors opened to a massive collection of props and costumes from nearly every Doctor, companion, and villain. Since it was the very last day it was open, there was also—as there always is—a gift shop ('You have a little shop. I love a little shop,') offering a variety of Doctor Who souvenirs. I managed to snag an official companion guide and an autographed print of Camille Coduri (Jackie Tyler). There were costumed performers everywhere, including live Cybermen, Whisper Men, and even Nathalie Cuzner as one of the Peg Dolls.

A friend I had at the time messaged me saying I had to meet Jamie Hill, who played the Foretold in Mummy on the Orient Express and the Monk in Extremis, The Pyramid at the End of the World, and The Lie of the Land. Jamie was also a manager there. Despite the strict no-reentry policy, the staff were so excited we had traveled all the way from Texas that they snuck me back in to meet him while he was being interviewed by Christel Dee. He was an incredibly cool guy and took the time to sign a photo for me; we are now even friends on social media.

Afterward, we grabbed a snack at The Blue Box Café downstairs. While eating, we heard someone nearby saying that Nicholas Briggs, the voice of the Daleks, was inside. Knowing there was only one exit through the gift shop, I headed upstairs and caught him right as he was coming out. I introduced myself, and we chatted for a bit. He was genuinely concerned when he heard we were from Texas, asking if our family had been affected by Hurricane Harvey. We spoke for about five minutes before he was on his way.

Before we left to see the filming locations around Cardiff Bay, we heard rumors of a massive send-off featuring Peter Capaldi, Pearl Mackie, and the hilarious Matt Lucas. We waited for over an hour as the last tours finished and the doors were locked. Everyone hung around outside expecting a grand farewell, but alas, the rumored appearance never happened. As the crowd thinned, we finally decided to leave to take in the sights and grab a bite to eat. This was an all-around great 'Experience,' from the exhibit itself to the BBC Studios across the street. I am so glad I was able to share this with my awesome daughter, Sydnie. Although it has been eight years since we were there, it still seems like yesterday, and I am sure those memories will stay with me forever.