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March 8th, 2010
58 comments
The 11th Doctor embarks on his maiden voyage… with a whistle-stop tour presenting five regional premiers across the UK
From The BBC Press office…
Belfast, Inverness, Sunderland, Salford, Northampton
Doctor Who will begin an exciting national tour across the UK in March, introducing the new Doctor to fans of the series in five different locations spanning the length and breadth of the British Isles.
The tour will introduce the 11th Doctor, Matt Smith, and his Companion, Karen Gillan, to fans of the BBC One show and offer them a unique chance to meet the stars.
Each location will also host a regional premiere of episode one, The Eleventh Hour, for local children, working alongside BBC Outreach to enable kids to get a first look at the new Doctor in action.
Matt and Karen will travel around the UK on a specially themed Doctor Who tour bus, featuring the new TARDIS logo and iconic imagery.
BBC Outreach proactively takes the BBC into specific communities and sections of society, and has been integral in organising and supporting the tour.
The focus of the tour is to reach relatively under-served communities by the BBC.
The Doctor’s maiden voyage will commence on 29 March in Belfast, and then travel to Karen Gillan’s home town, Inverness, for a screening on 30 March.
The bus will then move on to Sunderland that afternoon and Salford on Wednesday 31 March before finishing later that day in Northampton – Matt Smith’s hometown.
Following the tour, from 1 to 3 April, the BBC will also hold events for three days at selected BBC Big Screens across the UK giving Doctor Who fans in London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Plymouth and Swansea the chance to interact directly with the show in their home towns.
The events will feature exclusive footage – including the chance to see the Doctor Who trailer in 3D – and giveaways, and fans can also get their photo taken tumbling through the giant vortex.
Visitors will be able to meet some of the scariest monsters that have had viewers watching from behind their sofa for generations as well.
Piers Wenger, Executive Producer, and Head of Drama, BBC Wales, said: “This is a great opportunity for the new Doctor and his Companion to interface directly with the people who matter most to Doctor Who: the fans.
“The chance to visit them in their hometowns will ensure that the 11th Doctor’s maiden voyage is an utterly magical one.”
Alec McGivan, Head of BBC Outreach, added: “Outreach is all about getting face to face with people so they can get involved and experience the BBC in a different and exciting way – we’re delighted to be able to take one of the BBC’s best loved brands out to its audience.”
Filed under: Doctor Who, Press Releases
The Doctor Who Site is a Doctor Who fan site with no connection to the BBC. Doctor Who, Torchwood and The Sarah Jane Adventures is copyright © by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). No copyright infringement is intended.
58 Responses to Matt Smith and Karen Gillan to tour UK
Posted by: Chloe Harrison June 18th, 2011
I can,t wait to watch Doctor who again .
BOW TIES ARE COOL !!!!!!
Spoiler
A good man goes to war
I am The Doctor and you are The Daleks
Love them bits of DW makes me laugh everytime
Posted by: Chloe Harrison June 18th, 2011
Am a huge fan of Doctor who and i have to wait for septermeber its on easter. Has anyone meet matt smith because and believe me he is cool
xxx 
:D 
Posted by: The Last Warrior July 17th, 2010
yeh but alot of people who work on DW avoid coming on these sites for obvious reasons.
but there have been people on here trying to pass themselves off as Matt & Karen
Posted by: Kate Grerple July 17th, 2010
@ The Last Warrior
That’s true but the people who write the blog see the comments and can pass them on. As well as that, they do read the comments because when you write them, underneath the text box there is a warning saying,
By clicking submit you agree to our terms and conditions, we reserve the right to edit or delete inappropriate messages.
So they must have to read through them because a computer can only pick up words as a word, like hello. If I posted h e l l o it wouldn’t be able to pick it up.
Katie G.
Posted by: The Last Warrior July 16th, 2010
@Kate Grerple
Matt & Karen arent on this site by the way……
Posted by: Kate Grerple July 16th, 2010
(CONTINUED ON FROM ONE BELOW…)
Two things I forgot to ask…
1. Do you guys have Twitter? I’m not a stalker but a fan, BTW
2. Why did Rory suddenly leave the show but then come back later as a Roman Soldier??? It was so unexpected, there was nothing in the Next Time (like Amy yelling ‘No, Rory!’ or something) and I thought something really bad had happened so he had to go away and I hoped he was coming back or would be saved but nothing happened so I was sad but then in the second last episode he came back and I was like
Kate GRERPLE
Posted by: Kate Grerple July 16th, 2010
Hi Matt and Karen!!!
I am a HUGE fan I have watched just about every single episode including the fist ever one, an Unearthly Child. I have 2 favourites: “Mummy? Are you my mummy?” and the Weeping Angels (not Blink.) They are both ones that continued over two episodes and I like that because a) it means one can learn more about what is happening since you don’t have 45 minutes to make an orientation, complication and resolution but 90, and b)then the tension is high with everybody who watches it (like friends at school) and it gives a chance to guess what is going to happen and everything
But back on track to what the Blog post was about, I don’t think it’s stupid that the tours aren’t in the biggest cities (not that it makes a difference to me cause I’m in Australia.) If you ‘fans’ didn’t notice, they went to places where they had some form of relation, like Matt’s old school and Karen’s home town! They did not just choose insignificant places; they go on tour for marketing – the producers wouldn’t choose the places where nobody watches. In fact, maybe that’s the reason they didn’t go to London and everything! Possibly nearly all of the people living in the towns they chose watch Dr. Who so it would be better for marketing to go to those towns – or the venues in the big cities were booked out because after all they are the big cities!!!
Before I go I’d just like to say to say that even though it’s such a shame that the series has finished now, it was one of the best yet (especially the last 2 episodes; they were CRAZY! For seven days my Dr. Who fan friends and I continually thought, Everybody, in some way or another, was put in a position which is impossible to undo (with the exception of Rory.) What is going to happen?! Matt and Karen, PLEASE don’t quit the show, you guys are REALLY good and make Dr. Who a-mazing!
One of Your #1 Fans,
Kate GRERPLE
Posted by: AMBI June 6th, 2010
HI I LOVE YOU SO MUCH
Posted by: LILLY June 6th, 2010
HI I AM SUCH ABIG FAN
Posted by: Ben Jones May 14th, 2010
How come u didn’t come 2 york
Im Doctor who’s biggest fan
Posted by: Ms Robinanne Lavelle May 2nd, 2010
I was the relief teacher who worked with a small class of Year 13 boys to raise their marks in Marketing in the short time remaining before the exams. They worked during lunch times and after school with me going over the entire course in just one term. It was such a rewarding and challenging time for me. I was led to believe these marks were essential in gaining entrance to University in order that each could seek they chosen career paths. I always wondered if Matt had gained University entry and the other boys too. However, I returned to Australia. Therefore, it was such a shock to see they young boy now a man and acting as one of my favourite childhood characters Dr Who. Would love to hear from you or any of the other boys in that class. You were also so funny and witty with such an outgoing personality…
Posted by: Rachel March 30th, 2010
Patsy,he is going to NSB the 1st episode is being screened in their theatre (cripps) i am told it is due to finish at 6.30 so figure its 1.30min so reckon the bus will arrive anytime from 4pm,my daughter is crazy for dr who and was so hoping to get a glimpse of Matt or Karen,i am going to pick her up from nsg and drive down to the school and loiter in the hope of seeing something! I have been told by a friend that an article in the paper said the bus was going to market square but know nothing about this!
Posted by: patsy March 30th, 2010
not fair as i read above !!! that matt visit to northampton is hush !! hush !!! time n place would be nice, my son disabled he was looking forward to even seeing the bus !!! but no well bycot matt we want tenant back!!!! what school he going to his old school school for boys ??so unfair he want fans ,, cant even let his own town see him !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: JJ March 29th, 2010
where abouts in salford is it, and is it on wednesday, because i thought it was tomorrow(tuesday 30th march 2010)that they arrived in salford
Posted by: booboo March 26th, 2010
I was told they would be releasing the bus route nearer the time but seeing the episode is by invitation only to local schools and groups.
there is no info anywhere that i can see, if we get it we will post it up
Posted by: maria March 26th, 2010
I need to know if the dr who tour bus will be traveling through belfast city center.My son would really love to go but we would have to travel quite a bit to get there it would help if we new what time he was passing through. There are so many fans who watch the show and buy all the merchindise it does’nt seem fair to be keeping all the fans in the dark.Can anyone help please!!!!
Posted by: Lisa March 26th, 2010
Alan in Belfast said a lot of schools in Belfast have been approached – maybe it’s an over cautious security thing Inverness and Sunderaland have leaked already
Posted by: booboo March 26th, 2010
nothing yet that we have seen
Posted by: Brendan Crilly March 26th, 2010
still any information on what time itll be in belfast?
Posted by: Rachel March 25th, 2010
This seems a bit unfair they make a big announcement like this,but it turns out that they are going to visit a school in Northampton which has already been selected and it will not be open to the public. My daughter is gutted as she was hoping she would be able to get a glimpse of the 11th doctor as we live in Northampton and this appeared to be on the doorstep! Got this information after emailing the bbc.
Posted by: drwhofan March 20th, 2010
They are deliberately not going to the big places, it’s nice that the small places get some of the fun too, we all pay the licence fee but all the exciting stuff happens in London! They are going to Wales after the tour. The BBC website says ‘Following the tour, the BBC will also hold events on big screens for Doctor Who fans in London, Manchester, Edinburgh, Plymouth and Swansea.’
Posted by: booboo March 20th, 2010
It invitation only to see the show, hopefully we will be able to tell you where to see the bus
Posted by: LOLWUT March 20th, 2010
I dont understand it, With the Scotland one Do you need a Invitation to get in the Tour bus? =/
Posted by: BooBoo March 19th, 2010
I have been told details of the visit will be confirmed nearer the time
Posted by: booboo March 18th, 2010
No idea, it seems very difficult to get any information
Posted by: Brendan Crilly March 18th, 2010
what time does it start in belfast?
Posted by: bethy March 18th, 2010
yay belfast i 1st i cant wait
for once it pays off to grow up in a wet windy town!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: the 1st doctor March 16th, 2010
Yes they finily go north like Inverness not just Glasgow
Posted by: Vicky March 16th, 2010
@Jammaza
The reason they’re going to the smaller places is because they never do. Read the article.
Posted by: booboo March 13th, 2010
seems as if its by invitation only via BBC outreach
Posted by: diggers March 13th, 2010
how do we get to see the episode in northampton any ideas ?? thanks guys
Posted by: kelly March 13th, 2010
hoping to get to the belfast one, but they are not giving routes, wander will they just go to the centre of the towns, ie, city hall? my kids think i can take them, but i havent even a clue where to go,
Posted by: sheila March 13th, 2010
it’s nice that the bus is going to smaller places for a change and not
the major cities. we are all very excited in northampton to see matt back in his home town.
Posted by: BooBoo March 11th, 2010
were trying to find out if they intend to publish the route and venues for people wishing to see the bus
Posted by: I am in Inverness March 11th, 2010
i wish they would publish the route so we can at least see the bus
Posted by: master of disguise March 10th, 2010
They really havent said many details about this….. have they?
Posted by: miss-who March 10th, 2010
i reallly really want to go to this but is it invitation only?because its silly if it is,i wannted to go to the north hampton one ! grr
Posted by: booboo March 10th, 2010
it seems its by invitation only via BBC Outreach to support local groups and schools. if we can find out any more we will let every one know
Posted by: helen March 10th, 2010
can you give me belfast details?
please
Posted by: lottie March 10th, 2010
yh your right its invertation only i cheeked it out on the bbc websit its well not fair ):
Posted by: booboo March 10th, 2010
It seems in conjunction with BBC Outreach so may be its invitation only via certain schools/groups
Posted by: Moody Judi March 10th, 2010
Where in Northampton is the event going to take place + what time? Be nice if when tour announced could be backed up with the info needed to participate!!!!
Posted by: anon2 March 9th, 2010
The Sunderland visit is to the University, the site next to the Glass Centre. There is a cinema there. Details are on the Sunderland University website.
Posted by: Andrew Blakey March 9th, 2010
I lived very near Sunderland I would like to know where in Sunderland Mr. Smith and Miss Gillan will be appearing
Posted by: lottie March 9th, 2010
but like where in london is. its a big city you know
Posted by: Za March 9th, 2010
Only one in Scotland… Not very fair
Posted by: Si March 9th, 2010
Nowhere near the South Coast………!!!!!! Shocking!!!
Posted by: sam March 8th, 2010
why r they not going to Bristol!!!! boo boo boo booo
Posted by: King Ninja March 8th, 2010
I wish they’d come to North Yorkshire (futile as that hope is). I’d love to meet ‘em. And we never get Dr Who conventions or anything. Sigh!
Posted by: sam March 8th, 2010
do that mean that only that part of the uk get to watch all the whole of the uk?? Well that will be not fair if the hole of uk will not get to watch it first
Posted by: Anonymous March 8th, 2010
DEFINE NATIONWIDE DONT THE SOUTH OF ENGLAND AND WALES QUALIFY??
Posted by: Jammaza March 8th, 2010
It would make more sense to go to all the main cities eg, London, Birmingham, Cardiff, Glasgow the biggest cities how stupid!
Posted by: jack March 8th, 2010
why are they going to the most random places
Posted by: Thomas March 8th, 2010
Dreadful! How dare they not go to Liverpol!
Posted by: lewis March 8th, 2010
this is different, does this mean the episodes are being shown on the big screen?
that will be before its shown of tv then?
Posted by: Jack Williams March 8th, 2010
It will be wonderful to meet the DR and his new companion as I think I may qualify as his biggest fan. Iam 17yrs of age but my mum is doing this for me as I have severe autism.
Posted by: anon March 8th, 2010
With all due respect, the people of wales have given so much to the show and not one Smith and Gillian tour date is in its heartland. Bah humbug.
Posted by: Blonfoltfetch March 8th, 2010
Oh wow i just have to see that bus