Gallifrey One: 20 To Live will continue the long tradition of celebration of all things Doctor Who and the science fiction media genre. Our program, which has helped us develop a proud reputation, will be no less than in previous years... and we're just getting started! Here's a quick look at what you might expect at Gallifrey 2009 at this early stage, although we do warn you that things might change closer to the convention.

Of course, we're always happy to hear your suggestions! Contact us at the convention by using the email gateway on this website. We're especially interested in fun new panel discussion ideas.

The centerpiece for this year's Gallifrey One convention is a very special exclusive presentation on Saturday night: the first-ever North American performance of Toby Hadoke's acclaimed one-man show, Moths Ate My Doctor Who Scarf.

Charting the rise, fall and subsequent rise of a television legend, Hadoke presents a personal, satirical and razor sharp comic odyssey charting the the Doctor's triumphs and disasters, and Hadoke's progress from child to man, through obsession, joy and disappointment. Part memoir, part tribute, part stand-up, always riotously funny and sometimes surprisingly touching, this award-winning comedian's show is a must for anyone who's ever had a passion for anything. An intimate knowledge of Doctor Who is not required, although a disdain for the BNP, football hooligans and Hollyoaks would be useful. Hadoke's devotion to Doctor Who is by no means the norm: he reminds us that current resurgence in the show's popularity is quite a turn around. In 1996 burglars robbed Toby's flat - they took a broken guitar, a Bananarama single (on vinyl) and half a jar of coffee, yet left his Doctor Who video collection intact. Now everyone wants a piece of it.

Toby Hadoke is the highly regarded compere at XS Malarkey, Manchester's multi-award winning comedy venue. He has also headlined at many Northern comedy venues and is an accomplished serious actor with experience on television, the stage and even in an opera! Toby's stand-up is renowned for its topicality and occasionally uncompromising political slant. He is a frequent broadcaster on BBC radio, and live audiences can be entertained by him at XS Malarkey and Manchester's The Comedy Store on a regular basis. He won the inaugural Les Dawson Award at the 2003 North West Comedy Awards, topping a shortlist that comprised of himself, Peter Kay, Daniel Kitson, Dave Spikey, Ken Dodd, Johnny Vegas, Caroline Aherne, Victoria Wood, Craig Cash and Steve Coogan. His website is at tobyhadoke.com.

Gallifrey One is delighted to be the site of Hadoke's first-ever performance of "Moths" in the Western hemisphere. Continuing in the fine tradition of Gallifrey's Saturday night events, "Moths Ate My Doctor Who Scarf" will be performed on Saturday night in our main stage theater at 9:30pm, preceded immediately by our Masquerade. Seating will be very tight as we expect a vast majority of our membership to attend, so lining up prior to the Masquerade (which starts at 8:30) is recommended. Absolutely NO photographs and/or videotaping of this performance will be allowed! For those wishing to retain a souvenir of the evening, copies of the BBC Audio two-CD release of "Moths" will be available in the Dealers Room.

Gallifrey 2009 will feature appearances by our guests on each of the three days of the convention. Our guests of honor will appear each day, both in solo appearances as well as together; they'll also be autographing all three days. Check your program at the door for time and date. However... Due to the vast amount of programming this year, it is very unlikely that ANY panel will be repeated exactly as-is, meaning the only way to see everything is to attend the entire convention.

Among the many events you'll see at Gallifrey this year are:

• Interviews - Each of our guests will be interviewed on stage by an interviewer in our main ballroom, either solo or in a pair.
• Live Commentaries - Several of our guests will once again participate in live commentaries of Doctor Who episodes throughout the weekend... many in our main ballroom
• Opening Ceremonies - Our annual welcome-to-the-convention kickoff celebration on Friday at 6pm; everyone comes to Opening Ceremonies (the rest of the convention shuts down for the hour!)
• The Gallifrey 2009 Gala - Yes, after several years... it's back! Join us for an amazing evening of fun before the evening festivities begin!
• Mysterious Theatre 337 - The quartet from Chicago returns for the annual presentation on Friday night... think 'Mystery Science Theatre 3000' done to a Doctor Who story! This year's story will be announced soon.
• Gallifrey's Karaoke Kafe - One of the most popular events of the past few years returns on TWO NIGHTS and will go well into the evening; we also have a bartender and cash bar and lounge seating for your convenience.
• The Masquerade of Mandragora - Back on Saturday night, this costume presentation is sure to be a big hit this year!
• Special Features - Science lectures, presentations from local talent or special effects people, in our secondary ballroom
• Big Finish Productions - Several presentations on their various lines throughout the weekend
• Roundtables - As usual, many of our writer guests will appear in duos or trios in special "roundtable" discussions in one of our smaller rooms at some point during the weekend.

Autograph sessions will take place with all major guests every day of the convention in our autograph studio. Lines do tend to form and on Saturday they can get rather extensive, so we invite you to plan ahead.

Doctor Who celebrities brought over from the UK will sign items brought by attendees; some bring photographs and other memorabilia to sign (which are available for purchase). Local guests, however, such as actors who live in Los Angeles who may have their own tables in our dealers room, may charge for autographing as well: this is standard in the industry, and this is the only recompense they enjoy when coming to a Gallifrey One convention.

Gallifrey One limits signatures to two items per person in order to accommodate everyone; if you want more signed, you will have to return at a later autograph session.

Gallifrey's Photo Studio will take place during the weekend, likely on Sunday this year (but that is not confirmed). This is a chance to get your picture taken with our Doctor Who guests. There will be separate autograph sessions on the same day. Gallifrey's Photo Studio is not a formal photo session. Instead, it is simply a photo opportunity... our guests will be together, and fans line up to have their pictures taken. You can either have someone take your digital photo (it will be posted on the web after the convention) or use your own camera... it's completely up to you. It's important to be there as once we finish with the line, we WILL close the session down. Gallifrey One is NOT responsible if we run out of people in line and you arrive late thinking the photo studio is still going strong.

One of the most popular parts of Gallifrey is our discussion panel program. On each of the three days of the convention, we present a variety of programs and discussions featuring authors and other speakers as well as fan panelists addressing topics on Doctor Who and a variety of science fiction genre related issues. We will be featuring as many discussion panels as we can fit in, in both our small and large discussion rooms, as well as our yearly roundtable chats with authors. While we present (or attempt to present) a diverse group of panels each year, we pride ourselves on the fact that there is always at LEAST one Doctor Who related panel or Q&A event every hour of the day during programming hours, and sometimes more!

Our 2009 panel list includes:

• Regeneration!: A panel discussion on what the Russell T Davies era has brought to the Doctor Who mythos, and what people expect will change (and what will remain the same) under the new management of Steven Moffat, including the ongoing metamorphosis of the character of the Doctor and changes to companions, guest stars, storytelling and the concept of the continuing serial drama.
• Journey's End?: A discussion of the positives (and negatives) of the fourth series of Doctor Who, from Donna Noble and Wilfred Mott, to Jenny and Rose Tyler, to Davros and the Sontarans. What went right, what went wrong; what were the best (and worst) moments of the series; and how will things progress from here?
• The First Days of Doctor Who Fandom in America: Though most people don't know it, Doctor Who fandom really got its start here in Los Angeles in the late 1970s, well before Gallifrey One became a memory. Two people who were involved at the beginning talk about the conventions of the late 1970s, Amy Krell and Lucy Chase-Williams, and share unique video and photographs that haven't been seen in over 25 years.
• You May Remember Me From...: While we're familiar with Doctor Who actors in the roles that made them famous and beloved to us, you may not know some of the other roles they've been involved in. From classic and new Doctor Who to Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures, our panel will discuss some of the best roles former (and current) Doctors, companions and guest stars played outside the shows we celebrate.
• Notes From the Virtual Trenches: It's a rough world, but it's sometimes rougher in cyberspace. The Doctor Who community is strong, vociferous, sometimes united in solidarity, and occasionally completely off its rocker. From the big forums to the small spaces, from the Outpost Gallifrey Forum to DWO, rec.arts.drwho to Livejournal, and everywhere in between, come discuss the community of Doctor Who online and find out why one person's paradise can become another person's nightmare, often at the very same time.
• Sarah Jane Adventures: Year Two: We discuss the progress of the second series of adventures with Sarah Jane Smith, Luke Smith and their friends: where the show has progressed, what impact it’s made, and where it all might be going.
• The Impact of Torchwood: As popular as Doctor Who is in the US, the real success story has been Torchwood… crown jewel of BBC America, prestige and critical acclaim, a legion of new fans… not to mention a frank discussion of sexuality rarely seen in science fiction television. What is the reason for such acclaim? How has Torchwood made such an impact so quickly, and how is it changing the way SF TV is written these days?
• The Liars Panel: Doctor Who at the Crossroads: A Gallifrey One tradition; each year, our intrepid panel gives you the facts, and nothing but the facts. This year, we’re in an unusual position: there’s a new producer at the helm. But it’s not Steven Moffat, despite what they may have you think. No, you’re going to find out what’s REALLY going on in the world of Doctor Who, who the next Doctor and companion will really be, who the new producer is, and how much the show is going to change. Our panelists would never lie to you… would they?
• When Did the Shippers Take Over Online Who Fandom?: It was only a few years ago that hardcore Doctor Who fandom online was ruled by the continuity-debaters, the canon-worshippers, the hard-core sci-fi fans -- and very male-centric. But no longer. Thanks to LiveJournal and the new networks of fans, Doctor Who fandom is more character-oriented, more "shipper" (relationship-oriented), nuts about David Tennant, and is now evening trending toward a heavily female population. Have the shippers finally take over? We’ll take a look.
• Roleplaying in the Doctor Who Universe: For both game-masters and players. What makes a DW rpg unique? How do you write a plot for a game that can go anywhere and anywhen? Who will you play and why? For that matter, just how does a GM decide what's canon, anyways? Online, tabletop and LARP settings will all be considered.
• Forever Donna Noble: Fandom was mixed when it was announced that Catherine Tate would join Doctor Who for an entire series… but by the time it was all over, she’d won the hearts of millions. Find out why Donna Noble was such a popular character, and discuss her impact on the series.
• The Big Finish Year in Review: Big Finish has pushed the envelope over the past year… new adventures, new series, keys to time and even a few stage plays for good measure. Our discussion panel will focus on the releases since last year’s convention, discussing where they went right (or wrong), examining the changes the production team has made, and previewing where it might all be going.
• Missing, Presumed Wiped: The search for missing Doctor Who episodes has been an ongoing process for many years, and episodes have been found where you’d least expect them: a car boot sale, behind a file cabinet, even in a church cellar in Africa. And Doctor Who’s not the only program to experience this. Our panel will discuss some of the stranger stories about recovering Doctor Who and other shows, and some of the work still left to do.
• So You Want to Podcast Doctor Who: The world of Doctor Who podcasting has grown by leaps and bounds over the past two years. Some of the people involved in these podcasts join us to discuss how they got started, the process by which they produce their regular (sometimes weekly) discussions, the challenges involved, and how you can get started doing the same thing.
• The State of SF TV & Film: We examine the current state of science fiction TV and film, from “Heroes” and “Lost” to the recent slate of SF flicks to hit the big screen.
• Gallifrey One: Twenty Years of a Good Thing: In honor of the convention's twentieth anniversary, some long-time members of the Gallifrey One team look back at the high, and low, points of twenty years of the Gallifrey One conventions, reminiscing on some of their favorite memories and experiences.
• Getting Started With Cosplay: People involved in costuming from their favorite shows, be they Doctor Who, Torchwood or otherwise, discuss the new wave of 'cosplay' (costuming) hitting conventions worldwide, and show you how easy it is to get started on your own... including how and where to find materials and how to make that perfect finishing touch.
• When Did Vampires Become Trendy?: Two vampire shows premiered on TV last year (Moonlight and Blood Ties) that both developed adoring audiences. Another new series from this season (True Blood) has already been picked up for a second season and Twilight is expected to be a holiday hit film. The Anita Blake vampire hunter books may be next for a TV or film adaption according to their author. So did Buffy change the playing field? Or did something else make vampires trendy?
• Trekking a New Era: It’s almost time… the era of sequel series is over, and the JJ Abrams era of Star Trek is about to begin. Our panelists will take a look at the buzz surrounding Paramount’s newest Star Trek film, the cast and crew that appears to be taking the universe in an entirely new direction, and some things you might expect when the film debuts in May.
• It's Not Over Until the Fat Cylon Sings: Yes, it’s our very last Battlestar Galactica panel ever (at least, we assume so), because the show’s about to end. We’ll look at what’s happening in the last few episodes of season four, and discuss what might be happening as one of the best shows on TV wraps up.
• The State of The Comics World: Our panelists will discuss the current state of affairs in comics, both mainstream and independent, including some of the recent big developments in the comics industry.
• What If Superheroes Were Real?: Superpowers we’ll accept as a given. But what effects would there be on society if there really were superheroes? Would governments just let them act? Would near absolute power corrupt? Would the existence of superheroes ultimately bring forth supervillains? What toll (or benefit) would the world see from years or decades of superpowered daring-do?
• Anime 101: Ten years ago, it was being called “Japanimation” and its viewership was limited. Now, it’s the hottest thing in animation with some of the best-rated shows on television anime imports. Hundreds of different titles are being sold on DVD. What made the audiences take notice? How is anime different from American and European animation?
• Masquerade 101: Want to participate in a masquerade but don't know where to start? This panel will discuss how to decide if your costume is suitable for the stage, the elements of a strong presentation, what judges usually look for both on and off the stage and more.
• No Sew Costuming: You don't have to be a whiz with the sewing machine to make interesting costumes. A few simple tools and a lot of imagination can take you far! Come and learn just how much you *can* do with a glue-gun, some craft supplies and clothes from the thrift store. Bringing-and-bragging of your own no-sew accomplishments highly encouraged.

Costuming is once again becoming a big deal at Gallifrey One. This year, in addition to our Masquerade, we will be featuring hall costume awards, costuming panels and functions, and much more! Details coming soon!

As announced this past February, Gallifrey 2009 will feature our first-ever children's programming room. We will have more details about this soon, but it will include some activities for kids as well as visits from our major guests of honor!

Gallifrey Conventions will once again hold a special charity auction... but this year, on Saturday of the convention. We are currently thinking about which charity this will be, and will let our members know when we decide.

Gallifrey One's charity auction is a time-honored event that has raised over $55,000.00 for charity over the years for some very worthy causes, including the Foundation for the Study of Infant Death, the Downs Syndrome Association, the American Red Cross, the Dyslexia Scholarship Fund, the Hurricane Mitch Disaster Relief Fund, the War Child Charity, the Afghan Women's Mission, the Pediatric AIDS Foundation, the Juvenile Diabetes Association, the Starlight/Starbright Foundation, and last year's charity, Actors and Others For Animals.

Gallifrey 2009 will feature over 50 hours of video programming in our main video room and secondary video/programming room including classic Doctor Who serials, clip shows, fan videos and other video surprises. We'll have full details for you later in the year.

Regarding fan videos... every year, we try to bring you the latest noteworthy Doctor Who fan videos, and last year was no exception. Now, we are indeed opening our doors to new fan videos, but there's a caveat: those who want to take advantage of this free opportunity to show their fan videos -- and reach the largest gathering of Doctor Who fans in America -- need to let us know by NOVEMBER 30, 2008. There's a simple reason for this: our fan video program does not affect our main video room, so we program them in our panel rooms at select times. Please note that we will not extend this deadline any further.

The Con Suite will be open throughout the weekend once again. Snacks, soft drinks and pleasant conversation abound with fellow fans starting Friday afternoon and running throughout the duration of the convention (usually open until the wee hours of the morning each night!) Gallifrey's hospitality suite is currently looking for volunteers to help out, so enquire with the convention if you are interested!

The 2009 Gallifrey guest of honor brunch banquet is currently sold out and there is an extensive waiting list. At this time we are not adding any additional names to our wait list. If you'd like to be on the 2010 brunch list, buy your ticket at Gallifrey 2009; they go on sale at a certain time during the weekend (that Robbie will announce during Opening Ceremonies!)