Doctor Who – The Androids of Tara (1978) © BBC
Director: Michael Hayes
Writer: David Fisher
Starring: Tom Baker, Mary Tamm, Peter Jeffrey, Neville Jason
Production Company: BBC
Kent Locations Used: Leeds Castle
The Androids of Tara (1978) is a four-part serial from the 16th season of the original Doctor Who series. It is set on the planet Tara, which is ruled by a feudal society with electronic weapons and androids. The Doctor’s assistant Romana is kidnapped, and the two are dragged into a feud between Count Grendel and Prince Reynart over who is the legitimate heir to the throne of Tara.
Directed by Michael Hayes (A for Andromeda, Take Three Girls) and written by David Fisher (Hammer House of Mystery and Suspense, The Lotus Eaters), the serial stars Tom Baker (Nicholas and Alexandra, The Golden Voyage of Sinbad) as the Doctor, Mary Tamm (The Likely Lads, Doghouse) as his assistant Romana, with Peter Jeffrey (The Adventures of Baron Munchausen, Midnight Express) featuring as Count Grendel alongside Neville Jason (From Russia with Love, The Message) as Prince Reynart.
Leeds Castle features throughout the serial, doubling as Castle Gracht, the seat of Count Grendel.
Leeds Castle is a romantic castle with medieval-themed rooms, 1920s style interiors and original marble bathrooms, all set on a large estate with gardens, moat, woodlands, a maze with a shell grotto, and an aviary. Other productions to have filmed there include Henry VIII (1979), Lady Jane (1987) and Kind Hearts and Coronets (1949).
The Androids of Tara (1978) originally aired on BBC1 between Saturday 25th November – Saturday 16th December 1978 and is currently available to buy on iTunes.
For more information about Kent’s Filming History please visit our Movie Map.
