LONDON: Travels with the Time Lord

Apr 5 2008 by Paul Cole, Liverpool Daily Post

Enter the Cyberzone for smoke and mirrors magic. As the Cyberman invasion plays out under your feet, the Cyber Controller sits on his throne and his minions stand in your way. This is the world of steel.

And if you hear the heavy clump of feet, beware. The Cybermen make surprise appearances from time to time, marching through the corridors. If you are not compatible, you will be deleted. They've got nothing on our friends from Skaro, though.

A health and safety poster on the wall bears a stark message:

"WARNING! Entry not advisable for those of a nervous disposition, pregnant, suffering from ill-health or with a heart condition."

Yes, it's the Dalek Encounter.

And, let's be honest, it's the one you've been waiting for. They've been around as long as Doctor Who, and they're still the most evil of his alien adversaries. Just how a dustbin equipped with a sink plunger and an egg whisk can be so menacing remains a mystery, but Terry Nation's creation has terrified generations, and boosted sofa sales throughout the known universe.

Cue spooky music and some live action adventure high on flashing lights, smoke and that unmistakable utterance. EX-TER-MIN-ATE!

Three Daleks engage in a seek and destroy exercise - and they know where you are. There are further static Dalek displays for those who dare not enter the Encounter, including one the kids can sit inside.

In all, there are more than 100 exhibits down here.

A similar exhibition in Manchester last year attracted a quarter of a million visitors.

And that was just a third the size of the Earls Court equivalent.

Then, after an hour or so's exploration, it's all over. "Back To Earth" a signpost suggests - and it's certainly that. In best theme park tradition, you have to pass through the merchandise mountain in the shop to get out.

Now that's something not even a Time Lord can beat. Parents beware.

* THE Doctor Who Exhibition at Earls Court's Museum Hall opened last week and runs for six months. It's open seven days a week from 10am to 6pm. Last entry is 5pm.

Because demand will be heavy, admission is by timed ticket so it's advisable to book in advance. Call 0871 230 1092 or visit www.eco.co.uk.

Prices are £9 (adult), £7 (child) and £28 for a family ticket covering two adults and two children. For more on the show visit www.doctorwhoexhibitions.com.

If travelling by train, take the Victoria Line Tube from Euston to Victoria, then transfer onto the District Line to West Brompton - it's right outside the entrance.

Daily Post Travel

* IF YOU want to join the Daleks without the hassle of separately booking your transport and somewhere to stay, the Daily Post Travel Service is running a two-day trip to the Doctor Who Exhibition.

Priced from £99.95 (adults) and £79.95 (children), it includes return coach travel, one night's B&B accommodation, timed admission to the Doctor Who Exhibition and free time in London.

Details from tel: 0151 227 5987.