Unraveling the Untold Tale of the Original 'Doctor Who' Theme

The Big Picture

The Doctor Who theme, crafted by Ron Grainer and Delia Derbyshire, continues to stand out as one of the most distinctive melodies in the annals of television, setting the stage for electronic music to captivate the world.

Derbyshire employed innovative methods, such as employing filtered white noise and blending individual notes, to give life to Grainer's vision, all without relying on synthesizers or stereo equipment. In spite of her pioneering contributions, Derbyshire never received the appropriate recognition for her integral part in shaping the iconic Doctor Who theme and frequently encountered sexism in the recording industry throughout her professional journey.

An unconventional rhythm, an unsettling whistle, and the enigmatic sound of the TARDIS flickering in and out of existence... the Doctor Who theme stands as one of television's most extraordinary melodies. Some argue that it transcends the realm of television and holds a place among the most unique compositions in the entire history of music. Originally crafted by Australian musician Ron Grainer (with contributions from Delia Derbyshire, whom we'll explore shortly), the theme has remained largely unchanged since the iconic BBC science fiction series debuted its inaugural episode in 1963. However, subsequent composers working on the show have made minor adjustments over the years. Serving as one of the pioneers of electronic television themes, the Doctor Who intro - initially known simply as "Dr. Who" - harbors an intriguing backstory. In an era where now-ordinary synthesizers were still far from existence, this extraordinary composition came to be through an unconventional amalgamation of techniques. From recording the sound of water being poured into jugs, to skillfully synchronizing multiple tapes, the creators ingeniously wove together disparate elements to form a coherent masterpiece. The outcome was a distinct melody that introduced the world to numerous sounds that would later become synonymous with electronic music. Moreover, this enchanting creation sparked an in-house discussion, and even some controversy, about its true composers. Undoubtedly, this captivating tale merits sharing.

Doctor Who

'Doctor Who' is a beloved science-fiction series that has gained a dedicated and passionate fan base. The main character, known as the Doctor, is a Time Lord, a scientist from a distant planet who has the ability to travel through time and space. The Doctor travels in a remarkable machine called the TARDIS, which is much bigger on the inside than it appears on the outside. The TARDIS is also known to change its appearance to blend in with its surroundings. Throughout the series, the Doctor has the ability to regenerate his biological form, resulting in different actors portraying the character. Earth holds a special place in the Doctor's heart, often leading to visits to the planet to protect it from various threats or seek assistance from its inhabitants in intergalactic tasks.

Release Date: March 17, 2006

Cast: Jodie Whittaker, Peter Capaldi, Pearl Mackie, Matt Smith

Main Genre: Sci-Fi

Seasons: 14

How Was the Original ‘Doctor Who’ Theme Created?

However, let's take a step back and rewind to the year 1963. At that time, the BBC had just launched a groundbreaking science fiction series that would ultimately become a cultural phenomenon lasting for an astonishing 60 years. This beloved show was none other than Doctor Who, an enthralling tale about an extraterrestrial being fixated on Earth, journeying through both time and space, always accompanied by a fortunate companion. As the first season of the show was about to commence, starring William Hartnell as the initial portrayal of the Doctor, various important decisions still needed to be made, including the crucial matter of selecting the perfect theme tune that would introduce the British audience, and later the global audience, to the thrilling escapades of the TARDIS crew.

It was during that time when the BBC enlisted the services of Ron Grainer to compose the opening theme for their latest show. Subsequently, the piece underwent a revamped treatment at the hands of the BBC Radiophonic Workshop, a project dedicated to creating innovative sound effects for the radio and television stations of the British broadcasting company, established in 1958. Specifically, the theme was entrusted to be reimagined by a talented individual named Delia Derbyshire, who would later gain immense recognition in the realm of electronic music and exert a significant influence on contemporary artists such as Aphex Twin, Portishead, and The Chemical Brothers. The ultimate outcome would be so distinct and extraordinary that even Grainer himself would struggle to identify it as his original composition.

Delia Derbyshire Is Who We Have To Thank for 'Doctor Who's Iconic Theme

Derbyshire's interpretation of Grainer's creation was remarkable. Grainer was well aware of the intricate techniques employed by the crew at the BBC Radiophonic Workshop. Hence, he presented them with a simple sheet music containing only a few instructions such as "wind bubble" and "clouds." To bring Grainer's vision to life, Derbyshire utilized techniques like filtered white noise, plucking a single string, and connecting a keyboard to the equipment typically used for recorder calibration.

During the absence of synthesizers and stereo equipment, Derbyshire and her team painstakingly recorded the sounds in mono, describing the process as inch by inch. To construct a complete orchestra, individual notes were meticulously arranged by Dick Mills and his fellow sound engineers. Due to the lack of digital editing software, the notes were manually cut out and combined.

In an interview with the BBC, Mills further explains that most compositions consist of three elements: the rhythm, the melody, and the embellishments. Consequently, Derbyshire's team recorded their sound into three separate tapes, each loaded into a distinct machine. To synchronize these sounds, the crew had to simultaneously press play on all three devices. If you're a music enthusiast seeking detailed information, there is an entire website dedicated to dissecting the composition. Although it may seem straightforward in theory, the level of synchronization required for successful execution is difficult to fathom. Additionally, this early form of multitracking was virtually unheard of when Derbyshire and her team pioneered it.

The ‘Doctor Who’ Theme Became a Classic, But Derbyshire Was Never Properly Credited for Her Work

Image via BBC

The excruciating effort resulted in the theme for Doctor Who which remained for the next seventeen years. Changes were made to the series to match the new title sequences, but it wasn't until 1980 that Peter Howell created completely new arrangements using analog synthesizers to give the theme a fresh feel. Since then, composers like Murray Gold and Segun Akinola have also attempted to rework the original composition by Grainer and Derbyshire. While the Doctor Who theme remains an outstanding piece of music capable of evoking a sense of adventure in fans worldwide, it is still challenging to match the haunting melody of the original score.

Despite being instrumental in creating the iconic theme as we know it, Delia Derbyshire never received proper credit for her contribution. Grainer attempted to persuade the BBC to acknowledge her work, but to this day, he is the only one officially recognized as the writer of the tune. The decision to omit her name was apparently made to maintain anonymity, as the BBC did not want the public to become familiar with the members of the Radiophonic Workshop and wanted to keep it known simply as a collective. However, nowadays, most dedicated fans of the show recognize Derbyshire's essential role in the creation of the series' theme.

Delia Derbyshire Never Got To See the Revival of 'Doctor Who'

Image via BBC

However, it is disheartening to acknowledge that the BBC did not show Derbyshire the same appreciation as the Whovians, especially considering the challenges she faced prior to joining the Workshop. Derbyshire's affinity for abstract music stemmed from the haunting sound of air raid sirens during World War II, and she obtained a degree in both Mathematics and Music from Cambridge University. In her early attempts to secure a job in the recording industry, she was rejected by Decca due to their policy of not hiring women. However, in 1960, she was able to secure a trainee position at the BBC, and a year later, in 1962, she was transferred to the Radiophonic Workshop. Throughout her career, she collaborated with notable figures such as Yoko Ono and The Royal Shakespeare Company. It was only after the immense popularity of the Doctor Who theme that Derbyshire began receiving recognition for her work at the BBC.

Feeling increasingly out of place in what she perceived as a corporate and uncreative environment, Derbyshire left the BBC in 1973. Despite continuing her musical pursuits privately, she faded from the public eye. Tragically, she passed away in 2001 at the relatively young age of 64, four years before her most renowned creation returned to the public eye, introducing Christopher Eccleston as the Ninth Doctor.

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