This Saturday evening, Mark Gatiss will take us on a trip to Mars.
Gatiss ninthDoctor Whoepisode is space historicalThe Empress Of Mars, which features the return of some familiar foes.
So tell me, how does one go about researching an episode set on Mars?
I went to Mars!
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Wouldnt expect anything less!
Its little-trumpeted, but I was the first man on Mars and I spent a lot of time there!
That was very instructive.
How did the episode develop from your initial idea?
Originally, it was going to be a bit more… but it wasnt right.
Then I had an epiphany and realised that it wasZuluwith Ice Warriors.
Thats essentially what it is.
Its that lovelyDoctor Who-y juxtaposition of Victorian soldiers on an alien planet plus Ice Warriors, thatll do me.
Weve yet to seeThe Empress Of Marsbut we know its going to air after a big linked three-parter.
Would you describe it as having a tonal departure from the previous three?
Ive readExtremisandLie Of The Land.
Ive not readPyramid At The End Of The Worldso I dont know what happens.
Yes, its a gentle message, its not all about that.
Youre a self-described politics junkie youve certainly played a good few politicians over the years too.
Series ten has been making some terrific political critiques, particularly inThin IceandOxygen whats your take on that?
[Laughs] I think thats Steven [Moffat] saying goodbye!
I think its thrilling.
Its not party political, thats the thing, its just about basic humanity isnt it?
The notion of privatising air is exactly what science-fiction should be about, itsjustabout conceivable.
Its the way thatBlack Mirroris rapidly becoming true.
You set something forty-eight hours in the future and actually by the time you transmit it, its happened.
I think its really exciting, why not?
You never forget that its a science-fiction story but there are lots of funny in-jokes in there.
And an accessible point too.
Yes, and thats something thatDoctor Whohas done from the beginning.
[Laughs] I think thats rather lovely.
Again, its not about being dry, its about having fun.
Thats the way it should be.
Its going to happen, I warn you now!
Were about five minutes away from it!
That was a deliberate thing.
[laughs] That, in any case, was my thinking.
Oh I dont sleep!
I cant sleep [laughs].
I get up very early.
Ive always been an early riser but increasingly now…
There are a lot of things I want to do.
I poured everything I love about the show into [An Adventure In Space And Time], definitely.
Its the creation myth, thats what it is.
It was an irresistible thing and I always thought it would make a beautiful drama.
Im very, very proud of it.
But as a creative person, youre not left spinning after having ticked a long-term goal off?
Too much to do!
Sleep is for tortoises!
You have no idea!
Thats probably a good thing, because otherwise you get people indulging themselves a little too much.
That isnt one of the setbacks is it?
Youve cited Alan Bennett as a real influence on that what does a writer like him mean to you?
This is my life?
Hes a giant to me.
There are always things.
All those ideas in my school exercise books!
I always thought Bakelite Autons would be rather good.
Theres loads Id still love to do, yes.
I also rather like the idea of not knowing anything.
Its still a privilege and still a pinch-me kind of thing.
Or now hes had the Steed umbrella sword, perhaps there are no more mountains to climb for him?
Well theres a bowler hat!
I think I should do a Mycroft story with Diana Rigg, that would see him off!
[Laughs]
Weve no idea, we dont have any idea.
We might do some more, we might not, its in the lap of the gods really.
You mention Steven Moffat saying goodbye this series.
Were there any specific instructions or game plan for the writers this year?
Did he set out any particular goals?
and you go oooh!
That story just keeps on happening.
I love the idea of a child just watching fromThe Pilotonwards and discovering this legacy.
Wheres the kettle, wheres the toilet?
[Laughs] It never fails to thrill because every time its still a joy.
With Nardole, thats a different, more sci-fi perspective isnt it?
You wrote for the trio in your episode didnt you, its not just Bill and the Doctor?
It wasnt the plan but hes sort of appearing in every episode!
So he kind of bookendsThe Empress Of Mars.
What would you say Matt Lucas has bought to the show?
Matts just a genius I think.
His sense of fun and comedy and just the geniality of his presence is whats lovely.
Its not quite the boy-girl companion because they dont go off on adventures together.
Anyone gets my vote who has been in the show and says hey can I come back?
Ive had a wonderful time!
Matt lives in America so its a big effort for him to come over.
You had Wayne Yip direct your episode, along with Toby Whithouses this year.
He did some great work on a couple of episodes ofClass, did you see those?
I did yes, I watched them in preparation.
Wayne was fabulous, full of brilliant ideas.
Wayne did a terrific job, Im very pleased.
There was a little location filming in some actual red caves, which is the essence ofDoctor Who!
How would you characterise his specific talents as a writer, speaking as his colleague and collaborator?
He has an amazing brain and a sort of magic touch.
He pours absolutely every drop of his love of the show into it.
Many times hell send me half a script saying Im stuck, what do you think?
and I read it and just go [laughs] well, I think its amazing!
you might say I cant think of an ending for this and something will unlock.
Steven texted me yesterdayhes obviously writing Peters exit nowand he said Its hard right to the very end.
I think thats how I always think of Steven working hard right to the very end.
Having shared the exec producer role onSherlockwith him, have you ever envied him that onDoctor Who?
It is just such hard work.
Its a hugely difficult job, a bit like being the England manager.
[Laughs] I dont think people really appreciate how difficult it is.
Mark Gatiss, thank you very much!
The Empress Of Mars airs on BBC One on Saturday the 10thof June at 19:15.
