Everyone there wants to be there. Like, really really wants to be there. These people are serious fans. They didn't get bored and decide to go see what was playing. They planned in advance. They wore their Batman shirt, or brought their Captain America shield. They are wielding Thor's hammer, or a Captain Jack Sparrow's sword. They've got a time turner or magic ring on a necklace. And never was this more true than the theatre release of Doctor Who's 50th anniversary television episode "The Day of The Doctor".
The television episode, which aired on BBC America on Saturday, was an hour long special celebrating the 50 year anniversary of Doctor Who. In those fifty years there have been 11 different actors who have played the Doctor, and this special, all the fans knew, was going to feature the past two reincarnations together. And because it was such a big deal, and not everyone had BBC America, the show was released in theatres for two shows only. People were excited. People bought tickets weeks in advance, ourselves included.
Even though we had tickets, I was still worried we wouldn't get good seats. As it turned out, half an hour early was enough to ensure some of the best seats in the house. For some reason, nobody wants to sit in the entryway row, but the fact is, once the show has started you're guaranteed a good view and plenty of legroom. Plus, you get the best view of everyone coming into the theatre.
We sat down next to a young man dressed as the Fourth Doctor, who was wearing the trademark hat, coat and scarf. And that's when the fun really began. Many guys were dressed as the 11th, and current, Doctor, Matt Smith, in various forms. These people were in combinations of bow ties, fezzes, long coats, and suspenders. But there were several David Tennant fans, in trench coats, suits and converse sneakers, as well. There was even a woman wearing a dress designed with the TARDIS (the Doctor's time traveling machine) in mind; a long blue dress with "Police Box" printed on it, and "Bad Wolf" spray painted on the back -- a reference to Christopher Ecckleston's time as the 9th Doctor.
But the best part was there were some baddies there too. Two separate people were wearing dresses modeled after the Daleks, and there was one girl dressed as a Weeping Angel. That was an elaborate self-made costume. Her dress was colored and made ridged with hoops and weights to make it look like stone. She wore a mask and a wig, both colored to match the dress. And she had made life-sized foam wings (which slipped on and off like a backpack so that she could sit during the show) also colored to match the dress.
The showing was, of course, greeted by cheers. Nobody talked or chatted on their phone. These people had come for an experience, not because they had nothing better to do.
In the lobby, after the showing was over, the Weeping Angel put on all her gear, and delighted fans by posing for pictures. Until the staff asked her to take it outside.
Which she gladly did. And the crowd went with her. Because these people were true fans, and were there for fun. And I went too. Like I said, if you're gonna go, go big. Go for the show, and go for the camaraderie.
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