Doctor Who – The Ultimate Adventure Doctor Who – The Ultimate Adventure Doctor Who – The Ultimate Adventure was a 1989 stage play written by Terrance Dicks, based on the long-running British science fiction television series "Doctor Who". The play was staged at twenty theatres around Britain, commencing 23 March 1989. It initially starred Jon Pertwee (who had played the Third Doctor in the series) as the Doctor. On 29 April Pertwee was ill, so understudy David Banks, who portrayed the Cyber Leader in the series from "Earthshock" onwards, played the Doctor for the matinee and evening performances. Pertwee continued in the role until 3 June
The Doctor (Doctor Who) was to cast an actor in his mid-30s to 40s for the role of the Eleventh Doctor, despite casting Matt Smith, who is the youngest actor to ever have played the role. The actors who have played the lead role of the Doctor in the programme and the dates of their first and last regular television appearances in the role, are: Jodie Whittaker took over the role as the Thirteenth Doctor in the 2017 Christmas special. In addition to the above-listed actors, others have played versions of the Doctor for the duration of particular storylines. Notably, John Hurt guest starred