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Actor Terry Molloy took up the mantle of playing Davros, the creator of the Daleks, in the fifth Doctor story, Resurrection of the Daleks. Terry quickly made the part his own – and he has been playing Davros ever since, on television, stage and in audio adventures.

When you first accepted the part of Davros, did you have any idea that you’d still be playing him, years later?

No idea… it was just a one-off job at the time with no indication it would achieve the cult status it has.

How do you find the ‘fame’ of playing Davros? Enjoyable or demanding?

I enjoy playing the character very much, but it is just a job…! As a person I have never been comfortable with the concept of celebrity ‘fame’ for doing what you are paid to do.

Revelation of the Daleks, with Colin Baker as the Doctor and Terry Molloy as Davros

In which Davros story did you most enjoy playing? (TV, stage or audio.)

Obviously I enjoyed the TV stories and especially ‘Revelation of the Daleks’ but my heart and life has been in audio and those stories have driven the character of Davros forward and helped us to discover so much more about his character.

Was it more demanding to be playing Davros on stage, for The Trial of Davros, when you’re under hot lights without a break?

Physically the worst… the inside of my ‘chariot’ was covered with salt crystals by the end,  from all the sweat and fluid I had lost… that is why I have “never again” tattooed on my forehead!!

Terry Molloy on stage as Davros in The Trial of Davros

Was it daunting to follow in the footsteps of Michael Wisher’s original performance?

Micheal defined the character…  I took on the mantle and based on his initial performance have always tried to develop the character with each new story.

How did you find playing a younger and (slightly) less psychotic version of Davros in the I, Davros audio plays?

The whole idea of ‘I, Davros’ was to discover the journey Davros went on from young man to ‘monster’. It was very well written and a delight to play.

Promoting The Trail of Davros

Which writer do you think has most accurately captured the character of Davros and portrayed him in the most depth?

No one particular writer.. each bring their own ‘take’ on the character which  leads to homogeneous whole.. I have my favourites, but I’m not saying who!

If you were offered a part in the new series of Doctor Who, what would be your reaction?

Is Graeme Harper directing?

Who’s your favourite Doctor?

Patrick Troughton

What’s your favourite scene featuring Davros?

The opening of the audio CD ‘Davros’

The man behind the latex mask – on stage after The Trial of DavrosVisit Terry Molloy’s Web site