It’s that time, lady!
Born 28th June 1951 and fondly remembered as Romana II in Doctor Who, a happy birthday to Lalla Ward!
As a toddler, the young Sarah Jill Ward had difficulty pronouncing her own first name, approximating it as “Lalla”. It stuck and, in time, became her stage name. After completing her formal training at London’s Central School of Speech and Drama, she quickly found herself in demand for screen roles, appearing in the films Vampire Circus, England Made Me and Matushka and the TV series The Upper Crusts, The Protectors and Van der Valk – all by the age of 22. Further roles followed in rapid succession, showcasing her versatility as an actress as she effortlessly transitioned between genres and characters, displaying her range and talent.
Lalla Ward was thus already a highly experienced television performer by the time her breakthrough role came in 1979, the one that brought her lasting recognition. She initially joined the cast of Doctor Who as Princess Astra in ‘The Armageddon Factor’, the final story of Season 16. Actress Mary Tamm had by that point decided to leave the show after one season playing the Time Lady, Romanadvoratrelundar (known, thankfully, as Romana for short); and it was decided that the character would regenerate, with Lalla Ward cast as ‘Romana II’ opposite the Fourth Doctor played by Tom Baker.
Ward’s portrayal of Romana brought a fresh and dynamic energy to the show. With her intelligence, wit, and undeniable chemistry with Tom Baker’s Doctor, Ward’s Romana became an iconic character in the Doctor Who universe, captivating audiences and becoming a favourite among fans. Her ability to balance strength and vulnerability in her performance made Romana a relatable and unforgettable character.
Her stint on Doctor Who lasted until 1981, appearing throughout Season 17 and the first five stories of Season 18, before she decided it was time to leave and Romana was written out in the story ‘Warrior’s Gate’.
Lalla Ward and Tom Baker were involved romantically during their time together in the TARDIS, and were briefly married after she had left the show. Later, she married the biologist and author Richard Dawkins (who was introduced to her by Douglas Adams) and they remained together for 24 years before separating amicably in 2016.
Beyond acting, Ward has pursued her passion for art, studying the subject and also venturing into the realm of visual arts herself, successfully establishing herself as a textile and ceramic artist. She has also written and/or illustrated several books.
Throughout her career, Ward has garnered a loyal and devoted fan base, who appreciate her talent, charisma, and contributions to the entertainment industry. Her performances continue to be cherished by fans, and her legacy as Romana remains an important part of Doctor Who history.
Written by Lalla Ward and designed and edited by Paul W. T. Ballard, Time Capsule is a celebration in words and pictures of her time on Doctor Who, including exclusive visual material and Lalla’s personal recollections of each of her adventures. The book is available from Fantom now, as is Thirteen, a three-CD collection of spine-tingling tales of terror, in which Lalla can be heard reading ‘Tabula Rasa’ by Alasdair Stuart.
