Aspects

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Zine
Title: Aspects
Publisher: The Paul Darrow Appreciation Society
Editor(s): Mindy DeLapp, Christy Keith, and Diane Pierzinski
Type: newsletter
Date(s): 1988-1992
Frequency: quarterly
Medium: print
Fandom: Paul Darrow & Blake's 7
External Links:
Click here for related articles on Fanlore.

Aspects is a Paul Darrow and Blake's 7 gen newsletter.

It had the full cooperation and investment of Paul Darrow and his wife, Janet Lees Price, and the couple contributed much content.

There were very, very short fanzine reviews, but only ones that were complementary and were not controversial.

Aside from many mentions of Michael Keating ("cuddly" and "funny"), a few of Terry Nation, none of the other actors and showrunners' names were ever mentioned.

The content was very much about Paul and Janet's careers, both on the small screen and on the stage.

There are also many con reports included.

Towards the end, there is less and less fannish content, and more promotional general items.

Printed in all issues:

Any original material in this publication may be reprinted in any amateur publication provided that appropriate credit is displayed.

Description

From the first issue:

ASPECTS is published four times a year by The Paul Darrow Appreciation Society. Coordinators: Mindy DeLapp, Christy Keith, and Diane Pierzinski. The Paul Darrow Appreciation Society has the full approval and endorsement of Paul Darrow and his wife, Janet Lees Price.

From the first issue:

the logo by Suzan Lovett
We would like to thank Suzan Lovett for her superb logo design for PDAS. After having admired her work in several Blake's 7 zines, most particularly the front cover of Raising Hell depicting Avon on a unicorn, we were delighted when she responded to our request for a logo by sending the exquisite rendering of Paul with the tragic/comic masks. Again, Suzan, thank you for taking the time from your hectic schedule to design such a lovely logo.

The Blake's 7 Wars

The Blake's 7 Wars were raging at this time. In the second issue, the editors printed "statements" by Paul and Janet as an attachment:

Paul and Janet have requested that we print statements by them. We have included these statements as an attachment since the second issue of ASPECTS was at capacity. To show your support for Paul and Janet, you can write them at: Paul and Janet Darrow c/o Roger Carey, Apt. 1 438 Fulham Road London, SW6 ENGLAND.

While it can't be confirmed as to what those statements were, it is very likely they were ones that addressed the newly-hatched controversy and were possibly these: "Unwortham's Lies" by Paul Darrow and "Slash Fiction" by Janet Lees Price.

Many Play Reviews

Darrow's plays were heavily promoted and described, especially in later issues.

While there were some play reviews by fan included in "Aspects," there were far more retyped reviews for mainstream press sources. Many of these sources were not credited in any way, so it is difficult to know where they appeared, who wrote them, and when they were published.

v.1 no.1 (1)

Aspects v.1 no.1 was published in Fall 1988 and contains 6 pages.

front cover of issue #1
  • Paul Darrow Makes Elvis Live Again ("This October Paul Darrow finished louring as Elvis Presley in the show "Are You Lonesome Tonight". Paul has greatly admired Elvis for many years, so the chance to portray The King was a unique and exciting one. Thanks to the generosity of Paul's wife, Janet Lees Price, we reprint the following three theatre reviews of the production, taken from newspapers in Liverpool and Bath, for those like ourselves who were unable to fly across the Atlantic and see Paul swivel his hips in person.")
    • Bleasdale's Show That Dares to Be Different
    • Fan Finds Perfect Role
    • The Tragi-Comic Presley - Theatre Royal Bath
  • Fanzine Buyers Beware! ("We have recently received flyers from several people regarding the publication of illegal zines - most notably B7 zines. One of these was a 5-page information letter from the Horizon Club, England. It contained 2 full pages of detail descriptions of the "legal" versus the "bootlegged” zines: Between Black and White, Sanction, Oracle, Horizon 8 aka Blake's 7 Omnibus: Volume, and Blake's 7 Omnibus: Volume 2." The October 1998 open letter by Horizon Fan Club is also reprinted. See more at The 1988 Blake's 7 Bootlegged Zines Discussion.)
  • Getting to Know Us (short bios of Mindy DeLapp, Christy Keith, and Diane Pierzinski)
  • a thank you to Janet Lees Price for photos and clippings, a thank you to Ann Brown for sharing Darrow's actor credits
  • Detective Darrow, about Darrow in the Agatha Christie play, "The Mousetrap"
  • Paul in Doctor Who, article about Darrow in Doctor Who
  • a review of Blake Something, see that page
  • Our Favorite Fanzines
  • The Legend of Robin Hood ("Just as Gareth Thomas’ Blake was appropriately attired in Robin Hood-fashion with leather vests and billowy sleeves, Paul Darrow was the natural choice to portray the evil Sheriff of Nottingham in the 1975 BBC version of 'The Legend of Robin Hood'.")
  • Convention Happenings (descriptions of upcoming cons)
  • From the Archives (funny descriptions of Blake's 7 episodes from original newspaper listings)

v.1 no.2 (2)

Aspects v.1 no.2 was published in Winter 1989 and contains 11 pages.

front cover of issue #2
Darrow at California, photo by Eve Yazembiak

From Janet's long trip report to Australia and New Zealand, which was also printed in Avon Club Newsletter #35 (January 1989):

I saw a mother and baby Wombat standing by the side of the road. Love at first sight! Mary later bought me a toy one, instantly christened "Michael" -well, they are rather small, plump, and cuddly!

[...]

Christchurch, New Zealand, midnight. Our cases are searched by a Customs Officer bearing a strong resemblance to Travis. "Avon's" dirty washing is exposed for all to see (it did cross my mind that had we been in America, I could have auctioned it) and even "Michael Wombat" went through the indignity of being prodded.

Kathy Hanson was there to meet us presenting me with an exquisite bouquet of pearl-white orchids. The suite in our hotel was full of welcoming flowers and fruit and everyone laughed a lot. This was going to be fun, we thought, and it was!

Kathy and her Committee (a lovely lot!) ensured that we saw as much as possible prior to the Convention. We explored Christchurch, visited the Botanical Gardens and a Safari Park and had dinner at a wonderful "Rock 'n' Roll" Restaurant, where Paul ate "Love Me Tender Steak" and we

danced like teenagers. Then a truly memorable trip to the Alps, to a place called Hamner Springs, where I watched the rest sit in thermal pools, ride horses, jet boat and even go up in a helicopter. [See more of this report at Zencon.]

  • Darrows Round the World (A detailed con report for Zencon and Creation Con. "Blake's 7 fans had a rare treat this past autumn, as Paul, accompanied by his wife Janet, traveled literally "round the world", appearing at conventions in Australia, New Zealand, and America. As the tour of Are You Lonesome Tonight finished up, Paul first attended the "Space City" convention in England, and then the Darrows took off on an international tour that included stops in Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii, and convention appearances in California, Missouri and New York.")
  • From the Flightdeck, updates and statements from the editors (includes "Paul and Janet have requested that we print statements by them. We have included these statements as an attachment since the second issue of ASPECTS was at capacity. To show your support for Paul and Janet, you can write them at: Paul and Janet Darrow c/o Roger Carey, Apt. 1 438 Fulham Road London, SW6 ENGLAND." -- It is unknown what those statements were, but it is very likely they were ones that addressed the newly-hatched Blake's 7 Wars, and were possibly these: "Unwortham's Lies" by Paul Darrow and "Slash Fiction" by Janet Lees Price)
  • Our Favorite Fanzines ("During the past 3 months over 25 fanzines have been passed among us. These zines continue to be a focal point of much discussion and, once again, we don't agree on what our favorite is, so here's our choices."
  • Kangaroos & Kiwis, essay by Janet Lees Price about a long trip to Australia (This includes much non-fannish commentary, but also A LOT about Michael Keating and how cuddly he is, as well as the generosity (time and money) that fans gave them.)
  • Elvis Review Further (opinions about Are You Lonesome Tonight?, see that page, two are from fans, three from mainstream newspapers, only one of the newspapers is identified)
  • The Lighter Side, humor by Kaye Dunham (an "Updated List of Things You'll Never Catch Avon Doing")
  • To Kill a Chicken, an account of Darrow's role (with photo) as Simon Andrews in the movie "Hammer House of Horror: Guardian of the Abyss"
  • Convention Happenings (about upcoming cons)
  • From the Archives (Blake's 7 is past mainstream reports)
  • info about Darrow's performances in the play "Alibi for Murder"

v.1 no.3 (3)

Aspects v.1 no.3 was published in Spring 1989 and contains 12 pages.

front cover of issue #3

v.1 no.4 (4)

Aspects v.1 no.4 was published in Summer 1989 and contains 10 pages.

front cover of issue #4
from issue #4, photos from |Unicon
  • The Paul, Mike and Terry Show, con report for Unicon June 24-25, 1989 in Concord, CA
  • From the Flightdeck (about Unicon, mainly)
  • Trivial Pursuits, con report for Unicon by Mindy DeLapp
  • Contest, Contest, Contest ("To celebrate our first anniversary, PDAS will be having a contest! The prize is a program from Alibi For Murder, autographed by Paul Darrow.")
  • Off With His Head, article about Drake's Venture
  • Dearly Mr. D - Heading for a Nasty Fall, article about Paul Darrow in "Drake's Venture" (newspaper clipping, not sourced or credited)
  • Dastardly Darrow Delights by Rebecca Reeves, article about Paul Darrow in "Alibi for Murder" ("There is little, if any, of "Avon" on stage in Alibi For Murder...although a fair shake of "Paul Darrow" is sprinkled about. It is obvious that Paul is having fun with this role and has contributed a warmth and humor that made Charles a villain one cannot help but enjoy. Having seen the play four times (three in Winchester and one in Poole) it was interesting to note the 'human' moments that add to the magic - and success -of the production. Of course there is the carefully calculated Bogie impersonation, which went over well with each audience...and the humorous slap of the excess above the belt line. However, the REAL fun comes when little unique moments happen that will probably never be repeated.")
  • TO Make Our Day! - Space City Revisited, con report by Judith Seaman
  • Our Favorite Fanzines
  • Presenting News by Judith Seaman, article about Paul Darrow in the pilot for a TV series called "Making News"
  • Convention Happenings

v.2 no.1 (5)

Aspects v.2 no.1 was published in Fall 1989 and contains 8 pages.

front cover of issue #5

Contains a small bit of art by Elaine Jones.

  • Then and Now... (a recap of Darrow's con appearances, theatre roles, and other accomplishments during the past year)
  • From the Flightdeck... (more racaps and promotional info, "It's hard to believe PDAS is one year old! It's been an eventful year... Paul has been busy, and consequently, so have we, keeping up with all his activities and con appearances. And, thanks to you all, our PDAS membership continues to grow.")
  • Omar Claims Innocence! ("One of the most enduring fictional characters has been Simon Templar, nicknamed The Saint because his business card features a stick figure wearing a halo. Originally created by Leslie Chareris in the 1920's, books, movies, and television shows have revolved around the character of Simon Templar, with the most recent airing this month and starring Simon Dutton in the title role. The most popular television adaptation was filmed by ITV as five seasons between 1962 and 1969 and starred Roger Moore as the debonair, wealthy adventurer who attracts trouble and pretty women quicker than studs cling to Avon. Paul Darrow had a minor role in the fourth season episode "The Gadic Collection" as Omar, an assistant curator at the Silbakim Museum in Istanbul.")
  • from the archives.... (a con report by Alan McKenzie for Teal Vandor that was originally published in Starburst #35 in 1981; McKenzie was the editor of this pro, for-profit zine [1])
  • Wellington Moth to the Rescue by Rebecca Reeves (a description and review of Darrow in the role of Wellington Moth in one of three episodes he appeared in of "The Flaxton Boys")
  • Our Favorite Fanzines ("This time we all had difficulty with our selections, and we couldn't put our finger on why. Our tastes and expectations from what we read still remain as different as our individual personalities which causes many interesting discussions. Christy, again, couldn't decide on a fictional zine and almost abdicated to Robin of Sherwood entirely, (to Mindy and Diane's amusement) but managed to select an interview zine instead.")
  • All About PDAS Members (a map and short commentary about which states in which the club members reside)
  • Contest Answers
  • a short, humorous description by Elaine Jones of fantasy Blake's 7 action figures, includes a small illo ("THE ALL-NEW BLAKES 7 ACTION DOLLS !!!! These rugged, life-like rubberized plastic action figures come dressed in genuine fabrics and are completely washable! The BLAKE Doll: Wind up and after two seasons, it leaves home (but may appear for guest-shots). The VILA Doll: Wind it up and it steals your car and anything else not nailed down! The AVON Doll: Comes already wound up, actions unpredictable! Dressed in genuine leather and studs. The SERVALAN Doll: Parental discretion advised. Wind it up and it tries to capture the AVON Doll!!! Quarry sold separately.")
  • Paul Reviewed, a clipping from the Hayes and Harington Gazette from November 17, 1983, topic is Darrow and the sit-com, "Don't Start Without Me")
  • Convention Happenings
  • from issue #5

    from issue #5

  • from issue #5, illo by Elaine Jones

    from issue #5, illo by Elaine Jones

v.2 no.2 (6)

Aspects v.2 no.2 was published in Winter 1990 and contains 6 pages.

front cover of issue #6

It contains a small illo by Elaine Jones.

  • Bits and Pieces... (updates on the Darrow's careers, an example of how entwined the Darrows were with this publication: "Wonderfully prolific correspondent that she is, Janet constantly updates and confirms for us the various reports that come up in Blake's 7 fandom. To demonstrate the amazing ebb and flow of information, the following news are from various sources, followed up by how Janet either confirmed or denied the report.")
    • a news bit that Janet clarified: Paul was to be a guest at "DEL 10 convention planned for January 6-7, 1989" but he bailed due to work commitments, and THEN the con itself was cancelled in late December 1988.)
    • another news bit, this one about the sequel to Avon: A Terrible Aspect: "Terry and Paul announced plans to write fifth season novels at UNICON '89. Soon there was talk within the fandom of a movie based on Terry Nation's fifth season novel, possibly to be produced by an American company. Janet's letter dated December 9, 1989: 'I'm afraid the rumor about the B7 movie would appear to be just that. Terry hasn't written his novel yet anyway - I hope he will because Paul has stopped writing his as he felt there couldn't be a market for two - but even if he had written it and it were in print, I doubt if there is sufficient interest in B7 for people to invest thousands of dollars in a movie.'")
  • from the flightdeck... (newsy bits, including this bit that alludes to The Blake's 7 Wars: "Paul and Janet have asked us to print a statement from them regarding their attendance at Space City in England: “Paul and Janet will be attending 'Space City' on 28th/29th April 1990, at the Abbotts Wells Hotel, Chester, and are looking forward to it very much. Knowing Sue Christian, Sue Chadwick, Helen Parkinson and Barbara L. Jackson very well, they guarantee any visitors from across the pond' may be sure of a very warm welcome." Apparently there was a rumor going round they would not be attending, but obviously this is not the case.")
  • Our Favorite Fanzines ("The eternal zine debate rages in California, though Christy has almost entirely abdicated to Robin of Sherwood and Diane is seriously looking for Buckaroo Banzai stories. (Oh, those eyes, those eyes!) If anyone knows of current BB publications or would like to correspond with someone about ROS, drop us a line. However, we are still reading B7 tales and recommend these publications.")
  • from the archives ("Notes from the theatre guide for A Touch of Spring")
  • Paul Re-Views (some mainstream reviews of "A Touch of Spring", not credited)
  • Jewels and Hotel Keys (review of Mr. Jericho)
  • Convention Happenings

v.2 no.3 (7)

Aspects v.2 no.3 was published in Spring 1990 and contains 12 pages.

front cover of issue #7
  • Trap Premieres, three reviews from mainstream sources for "Trap for a Lonely Man", "THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE BAFFLED Famham Herald, March 16,1990," two are not credited but list the name Jacky Billington, and Fiona Devine respectively (From one: "If the person in the next seat to you at the Redgrave Theatre's next production. Trap for a Lonely Man, speaks with an American accent, the chances are that he or she is a fan of Avon from Blake's 7. The BBC space series which ran for four years here in the 'seventies is still a major cult in the USA. Avon himself, who was played by Paul Darrow, is the subject of fan clubs at all ends of the earth. "They're marvelous people, very loyal and supportive to everything you do," Paul Darrow told the Herald -even if it means crossing the Atlantic to see his latest show. He in turns visits Avon conventions -one last year was in Australia, another is coming up in Chester.")
  • Contest ("This is your mission, should you choose to accept it...answer two questions -What role would you like to see Paul play and what role should he never play? And if you're feeling chatty, tell us why. Send the answers to the club address by July 1,1990 and a winner will be drawn from all entries. The winner and the most interesting suggestions will be featured in the next issue of Aspects. The prize will be a copy of the PDAS logo designed by Suzan Lovett and autographed by Paul Darrow.")
  • From the Flightdeck (news bits, one example: "Janet writes: 'Making News has finished. It was a great disappointment, really, though did Paul no harm at all. In fact, he came out of it with considerable merit. The decision to tell the audience nothing at all about the characters' personal lives was a huge mistake-audiences cannot become involved if they know nothing. So the basic concept was wrong, and scripts were poor too. if they do a second series, Paul would only accept the role if the whole tenor of the series changes.'")
  • What a Glamorous Life You Lead!, article by Janet Lees Price, also in Avon Newsletter #39
  • Captain Stearman, RHA by Judith Seaman ("the following is a response to the article 'Wellington Moth to the Rescue' in Aspects vol. 2 no. 1" - about history and guns)
  • News on "Making News" (various credited review excerpts)
  • George Parnell, article by Judith Seaman (topic is "Making News" - "Making News was not the best thing he‘s ever been in, but Paul Darrow was definitely the best thing in "Making News.")
  • Our Favorite Fanzines ("Now that the convention season is upon us again, we managed to replenish our stores of zines from the wonderful dealers' room at ORAC 90. Sometimes it's difficult to know what is worse -impatiently waiting for zines to arrive in the mail, or getting a bad back after staggering home from a con with bulging suitcases! As always, there are some excellent zines out there we would like to recommend.")
  • Paul Re-Viewed (mainstream critic excerpts fro "Mr. Fothergill's Murder")
  • Convention Happenings

v.2 no.4 (8)

Aspects v.2 no.4 was published in Summer 1990 and contains 10 pages.

front cover of issue #8
from issue #8, Elaine Jones

This issue contains a cartoon by Elaine Jones, and a photo of Paul Darrow at Space City taken by Pat Harris.

This issue contains the contest results for "what would you like to see Paul appear in/portray? and What would you NOT like to see him in?":

BEST ROLES:

I'd like to see Paul play Dr. Who. His personality would be across between the third doctor's debonair sophistication and the fourth doctor's arrogance, with just enough of the fifth doctor's gentle¬ ness to occasionally surprise people. He'd dress in black, of course, and his companion? How about a female android?

The one part I would love to see Paul play is the title role in Pirandello's The Emperor: Enrico IV. The part is essentially that of a madman (or is he really?) under the delusion that he is Italy's Emperor Enrico IV. To that end, his wealthy family have kept him imprisoned in a castle for 20 years, looked after by a staff instructed to cater to his illusion - until the day the family decides to try a radical “cure". Needless to say, this is a bizarre play.

Who else but the classiest, sexiest hero/villain in existence - Dracula!

Okay, okay, so the 4th season Avon was pretty close anyway, but let's dump Clint Eastwood and make Paul that toughest of all tough cops. Dirty Harry. Better yet, move the story into the next century, give Paul a magnum, and let him snarl "Make my millennium." He'd be a natural.

WORSE ROLES:

(Fantasy) As Donald Trump in the Dino de Laurentius four-hour musical, Maria and the King of the Taj Mahal.

Looking at "classical" theatre, I'd have to conclude that Paul would be a lousy Bottom, in my opinion. The very thought of elegant Paul Darrow portraying one of the most rustic of Shakespeare's rustics makes me grin in disbelief!

The worst role I can think of for Paul would be a guest host on Peewee Herman's Playhouse...or anything where he would have to wear a bowtie or pants that end above the ankle.

Thinking about other English shows, Paul would be a dreadful Tristan from All Creatures Great and

Small. I just can't see Paul as feckless, irresponsible and whining. “But Siegfried" all the time.

  • Space City Great Success! (includes an article from mainstream press about Space City, see Avon Calling To The Faithful)
  • From the Flightdeck... (promotion news about the Darrow's careers, Cluedo and other plays and shows, includes the comment that "Janet and Paul will be attending Orbit in early August, which owing to the pressures of work, will be their only American con this year.")
  • Space City 1990, con report by Judith Seaman, see that page
  • Roller-Coaster of a Thriller That Grabs and Grips (a synopsis of the play, "Trap for a Lonely Man")
  • reviews from mainstream newspapers of "Trap for a Lonely Man" (two are credited, two are not)
  • Paul Re-Viewed (six mainstream newspaper reviews of "Terra Nova" Thorndike Theatre, Leatherhead From February 26 to March 19, 1983, four are credited, two are not, plus "Janet Lees Price Reminiscences" from an unknown source)
  • Adventure in Television (comments about "The Adventure Game" - "This program was difficult to review, due partially to the poor quality copy I was viewing, and also to the fact that I was working from a basic lack of background knowledge on the program itself. The Adventure Game -- the episode with Paul was broadcast in 1980) -- is aimed basically at children, with visiting guest stars each week.")
  • Contest Results
  • Our Favorite Fanzines ("Something old, something new... Mindy likes a recently published zine while Diane and Christy are being nostalgic. We've all started diversifying, primarily to Robin of Sherwood and Buckaroo Banzai, which makes it hard to keep up with all the recent B7 stuff. As long as there are Avon stories out there, though, well keep reading!")
  • Convention Happenings

v.3 no.1 (9)

Aspects v.3 no.1 was published in Fall 1990 and contains 10 pages.

front cover of issue #9

This episode includes six photos taken by fans of the Darrows at ORBIT, see that page.

From the article, "From a Man's perspective", which despite being "about" Janet Lees Price, is really about Paul Darrow and contains the usual slack-jawed amazement by mundane reporters regarding weird female science fiction fans:

If ever I met a lady who is the essence of patience and good humour, it's actress Janet Lees Price.

As the wife of a man who is lusted after by an army of women all over the world, Janet gets my vote as saint of the year.

I bumped into her at the weekend convention of science fiction fans being held in the North West for the first time - at Chester's Abbots Well Hotel.

Her hubby of 24 years, actor Paul Darrow, played the lead character Avon -in a cult BBC series called Blake's 7, which finished way back in 1982. But the show, about a band of space pirates fighting an evil Federation, still has an uncanny hold on the imaginations of its followers, who dress up in space costumes and attend yearly conventions.

The fact that so many of the devotees are women who clearly have more than Paul's acting abilities on their minds, is taken with amazing good grace by Janet, who appeared in the last episode of the series, as a khaki-clad Federation officer called Klyn, who was shot by Paul. "The fans loved that. But I didn’t know what I was talking about half the time! kept saying things like: There are space-hoppers coming over the horizon!"

[...]

She admits to having no interest in science fiction. Yet she is still thoughtful enough to put in an appearance at the SF conventions, which are now held in the USA and other countries where Blake's 7 is being re-shown.

I'm often asked how I can stand all these women lusting after my husband, and I usually reply that it just reaffirms what good taste I've got," she told me.

"The only drawback to being married to somebody so well known is that when I'm in Marks buying a pair of knickers, there's a sudden hush and I turn around to find a small crowd of people just standing and staring at him.

"We are still getting around 100 letters a week as some countries are only just screening the show. "But we decided from the beginning that we would answer them. "In America they are always very surprised when Paul stops and talks to fans on the street. They have never known this before, as many well known actors have their security people. I'm sure they think he is crazy for risking it."

  • Orbiting in Newark!, con report for ORBIT, see that page
  • From the Flightdeck... (club news, Darrow news, includes this: "We would like to encourage people to submit articles to Aspects -particularly reviews of cons, plays, films, etc., involving Paul. However, except in unusual circumstances, we do not print articles which have appeared or are scheduled to appear in other fan publications. We do not feet it is right to use your membership dues printing articles you may read elsewhere." [2])
  • Favorite Fanzines ("This regular feature has been renamed from Our Favorite Fanzines to Favorite Fanzines. In the last two years we found that our zine reading has diversified into other fandoms and that our B7 recommendations are becoming more difficult to make. So we've decided to include this section only when we've read a B7 recently we feel is truly worth mentioning.")
  • From a Man's perspective, article by John Eccles (about Janet Lees Price, is accompanied by a photo of Janet by Pat Harris that is taken at Orbit, the article includes this statement: "Coordinator's Note: The above article was sent undated and is from an unknown newspaper source.")
  • Paul Re-Reviewed (from an uncredited source, a review of "Donkeys' Years" - The Derby Playhouse Company From May 9 to May 26, 1979)
  • Timeout with Paul and Janet (transcript of an interview with Paul and Janet conducted by Mindy DeLapp on August 3, 1990 at Orbit, the topic is the production company that the Darrows just formed: "Janet: This is to give us security in our old age. Paul: So, we’ve become entrepreneurs.")
  • Convention Happenings

v.3 no.2 (10)

Aspects v.3 no.2 was published in Winter 1991 and contains 10 pages.

front cover of issue #10
from issue #10, photo taken at ORBIT by Mindy DeLapp
  • Paul's Current Work, reviews by Judith Seaman of "Haggard" and "Cluedo"
  • about a sequel to Avon: A Terrible Aspect: "At ORBIT, Paul auctioned off the first twelve chapters of his novel, Avon: The Rest Is Silence. Emerita Farber was the successful bidder and now she is considering making the story available as a mini-zine, with the proceeds going to charity. If you would be interested in purchasing a copy, please drop a line to Emerita at [address redacted]."
  • Penmarric Reviewed, this review is not credited in any way
  • fans have raised $856.00 to donate to Canine Companions as a Christmas present to the Darrows, Paul responds: "What a smashing idea! How very generous of you and how thoughtful. Many Thanks! Hope to see y'all again real soon."
  • the Darrows would like to know who sent them a gift of a gigantic houseplant, they also say that they have received over 300 holiday cards from fans
  • Timeout with Paul and Janet, part two of the interview at Orbit, conducted by Mindy LeLapp (topics: a lot about dogs, about being grateful to fans)
  • To Trap Again... and Again... and Again..., review of "Trap for a Lonely Man" (about this play, with different casting), unknown source or author, though it contains an afterward by Judith Seaman
  • Favorite Fanzines ("Christy and Diane took a vacation from reading zines but other members of PDAS have come forward with their favorites. If you wish to share a particular favorite just drop us a line. Please no lengthy reviews, just one or two sentences about the zine, price and mailing information.")
  • a mention that the Darrows, despite years of personally answering their fan mail, have turned this duty over to Ann Bown

From the interview:

Paul: I've been to quite a lot of conventions without Janet, and then suddenly it occurred to us, not just at that time, but it's been gradually building up over the years, that why should we?

Janet: Because we added it up. If you added up all the months, weeks, days, odd weekends, where we've been working apart, or Paul's been away on tour, it added up to nearly seven years out of the marriage. Now it has its advantages that it keeps it fresh, and coming home is wonderful. So it's a sort of honeymoon every time you get together, but you see, when I'm not on tour with him, 1don't know what his day is, and 1make a life of my own directing my amateurs, and when you meet at a weekend, there's so much to talk about, there's no time, and we thought why do we do this -this is awfully silly.

Paul: Yes, and when Laurie, Celeste and Jon invited me to this some time ago, and they said well, we'd like a commitment because we'd like publicize it, and we know you cant commit, but will you do that and we came to an arrangement, where I would look upon it in a professional sense. And I thought if I'm looking on it in a professional sense, why can't Janet come too? So I called Laurie and Celeste, and they said oh, no we'd love to have Janet. So, we never had asked before and now we do, don't we?

[...]

Mindy: Could you tell us some thing about your own current writing projects?

Paul: (grabs a copy of his book laying on the table) Well, (kidding around), I wrote this book, [[Avon: A Terrible Aspect]], a totally scientifically inaccurate book. Uh, so I thought I'd write a sequel to Blake's 7, and then it was announced that Terry Nation was going to do one. I've written 12 chapters. So, I've cut that. What I've actually done is I've brought those chapters here, and they're going to go into the auction. That's it. It's just the one and only.

v.3 no.3 (11)

Aspects v.3 no.3 was published in Spring 1991 and contains 8 pages.

front cover of issue #11
  • Dark Justice Arrives, about that show
  • From the Flightdeck... (about the Darrow's company, Satchel Productions)
  • Paul Responds, a questionnaire answered by Paul and Janet, one answer: "Do you read science fiction?: Paul: 'No.' Janet: 'Never'." ("On May 3,1989, in Poole, England, prior to a performance of Alibi for Murder, Pat Harris and Linda Hamman had an opportunity to interview Paul. The premise, if you could ask Paul Darrow anything at all, what would it be? The questions used were suggested by a number of different fans.")
  • Favorite Fanzines, Avon On-Line #3, see that page
  • Paul Re-Reviewed (two reviews from newspapers of Butley, January 1973, Little Theatre, Bristol)
  • "Chris Boucher, script editor for all four seasons of Blake's 7, made his first American convention appearance at Star One on March 23, 1991 in Park Ridge, New Jersey. Boucher wrote several episodes of the series, including Blake. According to an attendee, Boucher stated that Blake was filmed with the expectation that a fifth season would be done and that everyone but Blake was only stunned. Yes, folks, straight from the author's mouth, they’re all alive!"
  • "And What Does the General World Think, Paul made ratings rocket, the lady killer's fan mail reaches global proportions" ("Coordinator's Note: The above article was sent undated and is from an unknown newspaper source.")
  • Fiddler's Three, photo and short description

v.3 no.4 (12)

Aspects v.3 no.4 was published in Summer 1991 and contains 8 pages.

front cover of issue #12

The editors include this note:

Our bank has refused to accept any more checks written to PDAS or the Paul Darrow Appreciation Society. Please write ail future checks payable to Diane Pierzinski.

  • Satchel Summer Season Premieres (about the Darrow's new company, "Satchel Productions" and some of the plays it produced: Gaslight, Relatively Speaking, and Dial M for Murder. Next play planned was Macbeth. These three plays were written/acted/directed by Paul Darrow, Janet Lees Price, Michael Keating, Vere Lorrimer, and others)
  • From the Flightdeck...
    • a mention that ORAC was trying to launch a fanzine: "ORAC, the North Texas Blake's 7 fan club, is finally taking the fanzine plunge! Now seeking stories, artwork, poetry and filks for printed and possible audio versions of fanzine. No slash or adult material, please." [3]
    • "All three of us will be travelling to Chicago for Visions 91, which promises to be the major British media event for the year. We hope to have a chance to visit with any fellow B7 fans. (Or DW/QL/ROS/BB/AN...) Barring professional commitments, Paul will also appear at Visions, his first American con of 1991."
    • "British fan Steve McKay bought one of the lots sold by Bonhams Auctioneers on behalf of the BBC Wardrobe Department, in the lot he purchased were several Blake's 7 costumes, as well as several outfits which are unidentifiable. The B7 cos¬tumes include: Avon's jumpsuit -black with silver as seen in the 4th season stories -Assassin, Gold, etc. Vila's jacket -grey with orange as seen in the 4th season story Warlord, Zeeona's jumpsuit - black and metallic as seen in Warlord. Steve is interested in selling the costumes to individual fans who will treasure them. Anyone interested in this merchandise, please drop a line to Steve McKay."
  • fan reviews of Darrow and Price's play, "Gaslight"
  • some mainstream press reviews of "Gaslight" including Fans Flock to Paul
  • Convention Happenings

v.4 no.1 (13)

Aspects v.4 no.1 was published in Fall 1991.

  • unknown content

v.4 no.2 (14)

Aspects v.4 no.2 was published in Winter 1992 and contains 12 pages.

front cover of issue #14
from issue #14, Paul Darrow holding a copy of Avon: A Terrible Aspect at Visions in 1992, photo by Mindy Floyd
Much of the information in this issue comes from Visions. Rather than actually transcribing the panels and our interview with Paul verbatim, we pulled the best stories from Paul's different panels, his press conference and our interview with him, and compiled them into related sections. We hope you find this fun to read, and it eliminated repetition of questions and answers.

  • PDAS Christmas Cheer in Chicago (Darrow accepts donation to the charity, "Canine Companions," PDAS gives the Darrows a big Christmas card, includes photos)
  • Convention Happenings
  • Only a Time Lord Could Do It All..., con report for Visions, by Christy Keith
  • Darrow Quotes, con report ("The following stories were gathered from various panels at Visions...")
  • Additional Satchel Season Reviews, "Gaslight" by Judith Seaman, "Dial M for Murder" by Judith Seaman, and "Murder in Worthing" by Jean Airey
  • Paul Shares Darrow Christmas Traditions
  • Nebula '91: A British Convention, con report by Judith Seaman
  • Zine Reviews

v.4 no.3 (15)

Aspects v.4 no.3 was published in Spring 1992 and contains 8 pages.

front cover of issue #15
  • Macbeth Begins, dates and times of Paul Darrow's appearances in this play
  • From the Flightdeck... (very short)
  • Convention Happenings
  • Macbeth and More... (description of Darrow's play, Janet adds these bits: Paul will not wear a wig, gets to use Mel Gibson's sword from Hamlet: "Paul discussed his ideas for Macbeth at Visions. One of his ideas is to depict "...the witches as tall, fairly statuesque, beautiful, glamorous, sexy women. Because we figured if I walked along and three horrible, smelly, ghastly women came up and said can we talk to you, I would probably say, well, I'm busy. The witches will also play the servants.")
  • Darrow Deduces "Whodunnit"
  • Fraud and Deceit on the Air (about Darrow in "Not a Penny More")
  • Early Paul Re-Reviewed (Time and Time Again, 1974 -- Private Lives, 1973)
  • A List of Their Favorite Things ("Coordinators note: Janet and Paul put together a list of the questions most usually asked by fans. It was originally published by the Avon, the Paul Darrow Society (Newsletter No. 47) but we thought that PDAS members would also find it intriguing.")

v.4 no.4 (16)

Aspects v.4 no.4 was published in Summer 1992 and contains 14 pages.

front cover of issue #16
  • The Tragedy of Macbeth by Paul Darrow ("Coordinators' Note: This article was taken from the program for D.R Productions 1992 tour of Macbeth.")
  • From the Flightdeck... ("Macbeth has a reputation as an unlucky play, and the D.P. Productions tour has fallen victim to its curse. Paul got salmonella from eating prawns in a Chinese restaurant. He timed his illness well, as he only missed one performance, on Saturday night in Liverpool. He lost 14 pounds in 5 days as he was only existing on water. Otherwise the tour has gone well, and the audience response has been phenomenal.")
  • Convention Happenings
  • All Hail a Mesmerising Production!, review by Helen Murphie "source and date unknown"
  • Paul Re-Reviewed (reviews in undated sources of Darrow's play, "Romantic Comedy")
  • Paul Re-Reviewed (reviews in undated sources of Darrow's play, "I Have Been Here Before")
  • Actor prepares to strut and fret his hour upon the stage (mainstream clipping about Macbeth from unknown source)
  • Avon's Calling: B7 Star Paul travels back in time and finds his future is mapped out as Macbeth, clipping, source unknown
  • A Fine Introduction tot he Bard for Youngsters by Clive Read, clipping, source unkonwn
  • Fiery Lighting Creates Atmosphere of Evil by Lisbet Kelsey, clipping, source unkonwn
  • Paul Darrow in Macbeth by Barbara Telchert, clipping, source unkonwn

References

  1. ^ articles and mentions of Blake's 7 in Starburst, compiled by Judith Proctor
  2. ^ Despite this statement, the newsletter has already printed about five items that have appeared in other previous fan publications.
  3. ^ This zine was titled "Transzendence". Despite submission requests over several years, this endeavor was not successful.
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