Pearl Mackie Is The Doctor’s New Companion
Seriously who is she?
I hit IMDB immediately and it was slim pickings there. Wikipedia however must of thrown this up today quickly!
Pearl Mackie is a British actress (born 1988). She was named on 23 April 2016 as having been chosen by the BBC to play the next companion to The Doctor, Bill, in the long running television series Doctor Who.[1]
Mackie is a 2010 graduate of the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, and in 2014 played Anne-Marie Frasier in Doctors.
Mackie grew up in Brixton in South London. She got a degree in Drama at Bristol University. During her studies she went to workshops and took part in many extra-curricular plays.[2] In 2010 she graduated from the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.[3] In 2014 Mackie played Anne-Marie Frasier in Doctors.[4] In the same year she played the young computer genius Mia in Crystal Springs at the Park Theatre in London.[5] She could also be seen in the political satire Obama-ology at the Finborough theatre in London. She played Cece and Caits, two young women finding their voice.[6] In 2015 she performed in the National Theatre’s West End production of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time.[7] In 2016 it was announced that Mackie was going to play Bill the next companion of the Doctor in the british television series Doctor Who.[1]
Of course she is excited. Being on Doctor Who makes you a household name in the UK and pretty well known here in the US.
Mackie will play Bill. She will star with Capaldi beginning in the 10th season of the sci-fi series which will air in 2017, preceded by the annual Christmas special this year.
The role marks Pearl’s first major television role. “I’m incredibly excited to be joining the Doctor Who family,” Mackie said in a statement. “It’s such an extraordinary British institution, I couldn’t be prouder to call the TARDIS my home!” She added that, based on the script she read at the audition, “I thought Bill was wicked. Fantastically written, cool, strong, sharp, a little bit vulnerable with a bit of geekiness thrown in – I can’t wait to bring her to life, and to see how she develops through the series.”
You know this time next year, all of us geeks and nerds will know who she is!
Here is some outdated information off her own website.
Pearl is currently performing in the National Theatre’s West End production of
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time’
She is thrilled to be a part of this 7 Olivier and 5 Tony award winning production until June 2016.
Pearl is very proud to be in ‘Date Aid’, a film by Bond to advise Charities that poverty porn and pity marketing aren’t working. View the film below.
Reviews for Pearl Mackie in ‘Obama-ology’ by Aurin Squire at the Finborough Theatre:
“The ensemble are also terrific, particularly Pearl Mackie as Cece and Caits, two young women finding their voice.”
Lyn Gardner, The Guardian
“Pearl Mackie, who is a star in the making, imbues this clichéd character with rich humanity, breaking off for a further cameo as in-your-face Caits to confirm her virtuosity.”
British Theatre Guide
“No less impressive is Pearl Mackie as Cece, an illiterate mother of two…. Mackie shows her versatility by also playing Caits, a feisty street kid and a campaign instructor.”
The Public Reviews
Pearl Mackie
No. 40 / Voice Five / Lady in Street / Information / Punk Girl & Ensemble
Training
Pearl Mackie trained at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.
Theatre
For the National: The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (West End)
For the RSC: A Mad World My Masters
Other theatre includes: Obama-Ology, Brothers in Blood/Elusive Spring, Disnatured: Shakespeare in Shoreditch, Crystal Springs, Hiding, Losing, Survivors, Only Human, Into the Woods, City of Angels, Neighbors
To hear voice and singing clips of Pearl Mackie, click here.
Short Trailer put out by BCC today click here.
BBC One revealed the news at half time during the FA Cup semi-final between Everton and Manchester United
Mackie, who will star as Bill, takes over from Jenna Coleman to star alongside the current Doctor, Peter Capaldi.
Mackie hails from Brixton in south London.
She trained as an actor at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School, graduating in 2010.
Since drama school, she has worked across theatre, film, radio and television. She played Anne-Marie Frasier in Doctors in 2014 and is also a singer.
Mackie is currently performing in the National Theatre’s West End production of The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time.
Steven Moffat, outgoing lead writer and executive producer said: “A new face in the Tardis, a new voyage about to begin: welcome aboard the amazing Pearl Mackie!
“This is where the story really starts.”
Acting director of television Charlotte Moore said: “It’s so exciting to be revealing the much anticipated new companion to the nation in such spectacular style.
“Pearl brings a wonderful energy and lights up the screen. She will captivate Doctor Who fans old and new across the globe.”
Executive producer Brian Minchin added: “We’re utterly thrilled to have the hugely talented Pearl join Doctor Who and I can’t wait to begin her new adventures in time and space.”
On joining the cast in her first major television role, Mackie said: “I’m incredibly excited to be joining the Doctor Who family.
“It’s such an extraordinary British institution, I couldn’t be prouder to call the Tardis my home.”
She added: “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. Reading the script at the audition I thought Bill was wicked. Fantastically written, cool, strong, sharp, a little bit vulnerable with a bit of geekiness thrown in.”
Mackie continued: “I can’t wait to bring her to life, and to see how she develops through the series.
“I always loved stage combat at drama school so I can’t wait to get on set and kick some evil monsters into the next dimension.”
The actress described shooting the trailer as “absolutely mental”.
“There were pyrotechnics and smoke and I met my first Dalek. I’m not sure it will ever become ‘the norm’ seeing crazy monsters on set, but I cannot wait to meet some more.
“The weirder the better, bring it on!”
Capaldi called it “a genuine delight” to welcome Mackie to Doctor Who.
“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.”
Mackie posted a message on her official Twitter account to extend her gratitude to all the well-wishers.
“I’m so excited to be the next companion on Doctor Who! Can’t wait to join the family. Thank you for all the lovely messages,” she tweeted.
