Two Sundays ago, I was on the radio talking about the Very Important Topics of sexual education, contraception and abortion. Yesterday, I spent five minutes talking on air from the lobby of the Embassy Theatre in Wellington, clutching a sonic screwdriver, and trying my best not to squee.
The screening was part of a world-wide celebration of the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who, screening in 94 countries. The episode set a Guinness World Record for the largest ever simulcast of a TV drama. It was broadcast free-to-air here, as well as 3D screenings in theatres around the country.
Last week, I overheard Radio New Zealand's Arts on Sunday team talking about Doctor Who, and how they were planning to cover it, and being the fangirl I am, I pointed out I'd be at the screening, and could probably chat to them from it.
Sonic Screwdriver and River Song hair. Photo: Unknown
It was agreed we'd do a short interview a few minutes before the screening started, giving me time to do the hike to my seats in the nosebleed section of the theatre. (Row U. Seriously.) We'd talk about the outfits (see a handful in the gallery below), the tension, and I would do my level best not to give away any spoilers.
Since I mentioned I would vaguely be dressing up – by which I meant I'd be styling my hair like one of the Doctor's companions (River Song) and carrying a toy she carries – I was asked to send a selfie for the website. Because sure, why not?
Here's where I admit something. First of all, I felt like a bit of a fraud doing this. I've only been watching Doctor Who for four years. And I've really only been a fan for a couple of years. I have friends who have been watching it for decades, and have nightmares about daleks. (I've always thought they look like salt and pepper shakers.)
I should also admit something else. When I sat in my seat in the theatre, I had already seen the episode, unable to resist the lure of broadcast TV. I had already spent most of the morning trying really hard not to gloat that I already knew what was going to happen. Even so, seeing it in 3D was totally worth it, and not just for the pre-event warnings, made especially for the show.
Photo: Unknown
Doctor Who started its life as an educational show for children – and as a lead in for other shows. It is now the longest-running science fiction show, and watched by millions and millions of people around the world. On Sunday, the host of Arts on Sunday, Lynn Freeman asked me why I love it. And, to be honest, put on the spot, I struggled for an answer. Mostly, because it is ridiculous. It's silly and whimsical and funny, and at times horrifying and scary (OMG the Weeping Angels). And I'd be lying if I didn't say that I cried more than once in the theatre.
And all of this raises an interesting question. Twitter is abuzz with conversations about the episode. (Don't click on that link if you don't want to see spoilers.) Given it was broadcast at the same time everywhere in the world – well, almost everywhere – is there a lesson for TV networks to learn from this?