There are worse things than, for one evening at least, looking like you’re part of a gang consisting of John Barrowman, Russell T Davies and yourself.

Even if your role in the gang is an understandably nominal one, consisting of little more than reading some hurriedly-scribbled, half-arsed questions off a notepad, and sweating a lot.

At this year’s Cheltenham Literary Festival, one of the biggest events was The Times’ talk with Russell T Davies and John Barrowman, on the subject of the inconceivably successful reinvention of Doctor Who.

As the demographic spread of the audience demonstrated, Doctor Who is a genuine, cross-cultural, pan-generational phenomeneon – the Christmas Special the centre-piece of the Christmas TV schedules; the cast the most recognisable people in Britain; the plots the subject of endless speculation and debate.

Two of the biggest reasons for its cultural victory are , of course, Barrowman and Davies. Barrowman for having the energy and charisma to portray Captain Jack Harkness, an immortal pan-sexual fox with perfect teeth; and Davies for inventing him – and, indeed, the whole idea of a 21st century Doctor Who - in the first place.

Over the course of an hour and a half, and some amazingly obvious questions from me, John and Russell discuss why they love the show, how secretly controversial it is, how difficult it is to write, reveal future monsters, barrack Prince Charles for turning down a cameo, and disclose who farts most in the confines of the TARDIS – John Barrowman, or David Tennant.

And I sweat a lot, and look very, very excited.

Explore Books

• Book Extracts

• Book Reviews

• Books Group

• Audio Books

Times Recommends

• The Sunday Times 100 best holiday reads
• What will we be reading this summer: the booksellers predict
• Literary festivals: a survivor’s guide