C. E. Webber

Cecil Edwin Webber (known as C. E. Webber and nicknamed Bunny by his colleagues) was a British television writer and playwright. He is best remembered for his contribution to the creation of the famous science-fiction series "Doctor Who" while working as a staff writer for the BBC in the early 1960s. Although none of his scripts was eventually used in the programme — Head of Serials Donald Wilson felt he was not capable of 'writing down' to the level required — he participated in many crucial early development meetings, and co-wrote the first format document for the series with Wilson and Sydney Newman. His draft script for the proposed first ever episode formed the basis of the broadcast first episode eventually written by Anthony Coburn. Webber received a co-writer's credit on internal BBC documentation for the episode, although not on screen.

His published stage plays included "Be Good, Sweet Maid" (1957), "Out of the Frying Pan" (1960) and "The Mortal Bard" (1964).

Other television shows he wrote or created for the BBC included the 1961 action adventure serial "Hurricane" [http://www.action-tv.org.uk/guides/hurricane.htm] , the 1962 "William" children's comedy starring Dennis Waterman, based on the books by Richmal Crompton [http://www.bbc.co.uk/comedy/guide/articles/w/william_7776805.shtml] , and in 1964 episodes of the "Thorndyke" detective series [http://www.action-tv.org.uk/guides/thorndyke.htm] .

External links

* [http://www.teletronic.co.uk/who1.htm The Origin of Dr Who]
* [http://www.doollee.com/PlaywrightsW/WebberCE.htm List of C. E. Webber stage plays (1956 onwards)]
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