Terry Nation Tribute 2008.
 

A review by Gillian Puddle.

Chances are most people who remember Terry Nation would associate him with the creation of the Daleks or the two TV series, Blake’s 7 and Survivors.  However, over the course of this weekend, it became apparent just how much Terry Nation’s vision and writing talent contributed to the popularity of many much loved TV shows, including The Avengers, The Saint, The Protectors, The Persuaders, The Champions and MacGyver.  Several guests who had appeared in these and other series were interviewed and attended autograph and photo sessions - Barrie Ingham, Jennie Linden, Lucy Fleming, Jane Merrow, Lorna Lewis, Bruce Montague, Barry Stanton, Hugh Waters and Nicholas Smith.  Although unable to be present, video tributes by Sir Roger Moore who was interviewed by Paul Darrow, and Tom Baker were shown.  The veteran actor, Tony Curtis, who was attending the Autographica event running concurrently in the hotel, had hoped to make an appearance at the Tribute event.  Unfortunately he was unable to do so, but asked Paul Darrow to pass on his best wishes and support to all those attending the convention.


Whilst playing Avon in Blake’s 7, Paul Darrow became friends with the character’s creator and his family, so it was especially fitting that Paul acted as MC for the whole event.  Ably  assisted by Rebecca Nation – a ‘lovely Debbie McGee’ – Paul introduced guests and conducted interviews, hosted an auction and the opening and closing sessions with his usual good humour, charm and flair.  His interviews with Terry’s widow, Mrs Kate Nation, and daughter, Rebecca, were particularly fascinating as the audience was able to glimpse Terry through their many memories.  A rare video interview with Terry, which was recorded many years ago in his study in LA, was shown.  Behind him were shelves piled higgledy-piggledy with books, illustrating Rebecca’s recollection that her childhood home had been crammed with books, testament to her father’s voracious appetite for reading and knowledge.    
     
Originally a comedy writer, Terry worked alongside other notables, including Galton and Simpson, and wrote for many legendary names in the comedy world - Frankie Howerd, Eric Sykes, Harry Worth, Terry Scott and Tony Hancock, to name a few. 

Initially uninterested in working on a new science fiction series called Doctor Who, Terry changed his mind when a project he was to be involved with fell through.  Disregarding the directive that Dr Who should take an educational path without ‘bug eyed monsters’, he dreamt up an alien creature which made such an impact, it took the series in a different direction altogether.  He wanted to create a unique alien form with neither arms nor legs.   Remembering a performance of the Georgian State Dancers who wore stiff floor length ‘A-line’ costumes and, by taking tiny steps, appeared to glide across the stage, he utilised this concept of shape and movement for the Daleks.  Growing up with the Daleks, Rebecca recalled the fun she and her friends had with the ones kept at their country home in Kent, often taking them out for walks.  She was never afraid of them, but Davros was another matter and an encounter with him at the TV studios sent her running for cover.

Writing all thirteen episodes for the first series of Blake’s 7 was a colossal task and Terry didn’t attempt to emulate this for the other series.  It was mentioned that Paul kept to the script that Terry had written, but his interpretation both surprised and delighted Terry.  As the character of Avon developed, so did Paul and Terry’s friendship.  Paul had very fond memories of visiting the Nations in Los Angeles.  On one occasion whilst having a meal in a busy fashionable restaurant, he was bemused at the deference shown him by the restaurant staff and other diners.  Afterwards, he found he had been promoted – temporarily - to the nobility, the booking having been made in the name of Lord Darrow in order to secure a table.

This convention always promised to be a little different as the emphasis was on one person’s life and work.  For those who did not know Terry Nation, it was a particular delight to have the opportunity to meet his family.  As the weekend progressed, it became clear that both those who knew Terry and those who had never met him felt gratitude for his creativity and inspired writing, which had not only given pleasure, but also touched people’s lives in a positive and often surprising way.




Photographs copyright Claire Saunders.