Record breaking turn out at UCS Doctor Who Society as Time Lord’s campanion pays a visit
Dr Who actor Arthur Darvill (back centre) at University College School during a visit organised by Matthew Seaman (front centre right). Picture: Nigel Sutton - Credit: Nigel Sutton
A schoolboy scored a coup for his Doctor Who Society when he successfully invited a companion to the Time Lord to give a talk at his school.
There was a record turn out at University College School's Doctor Who Society to meet actor Arthur Darvill . Picture: Nigel Sutton - Credit: Nigel Sutton
Arthur Darvill’s appearance at University College School’s Science Lecture Theatre in Hampstead doubled the club’s previous record turnout from 30 to 60, as he spoke about his acting career and his work on Doctor Who.
The visit is recorded for posterity. Picture: Nigel Sutton - Credit: Nigel Sutton
The actor played the character of Rory Williams alongside the 11th Doctor, Matt Smith, in seasons five to seven of the hit BBC science fiction series.
Matthew Seaman, 13, who founded University College School’s Doctor Who Society in 2012, said: “I wanted to take the society a little further as it was getting a bit boring just watching episodes.”
He emailed Darvill’s agent in October and said he has not been able to stop telling people since.
Matthew explained: “Everyone was really excited when I told them.
“At first Arthur was a bit unsure if he would be able to make it, but when he’d confirmed the dates then we all started preparing and everyone was helping me.
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“One of my friends helped me make a poster, while another sorted out sandwiches.”
He told the Ham&High that a highlight of the visit on March 28 was hearing Mr Darvill talk about working with the Daleks.
“He said it was quite funny because they’re like shrivelled up men squashed into a bin trying to breathe,” he said.
Matthew revealed that he had invited Darvill because he liked his character in the show and also thought it would be of use to drama students at the school.
As for future plans, Matthew has already emailed Peter Capaldi, the new Doctor, but admits: “It’s probably unlikely as he’s filming at the moment.”
However, he remains positive.
“Every now and then I send an email or make a phone call just in case somebody is available,” he said.
