Doctor Who Symphonic Spectacular (UK Tour 2015)

The Doctor Who Symphonic Spectacular (UK Tour 2015) saw the concert go on tour for a third time and comprised the twenty-sixth through thirty-eighth performances of the Doctor Who Symphonic Spectacular. It was performed by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales at The SSE Arena Wembley, London, England; the Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff, Wales; the Barclaycard Arena, Birmingham, England; the First Direct Arena, Leeds, England; the Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle, England; and The SSE Hydro, Glasgow, Scotland between 23-29 May 2015.

Overview

Promotional image.

The concert was announced on 28 July 2014 by BBC Worldwide in association with Vision Nine. It was conducted by Ben Foster and hosted by Peter Davison, who was announced on 3 November 2014.

The BBC National Orchestra of Wales was accompanied by the BBC National Chorus of Wales and soloist Elin Manahan Thomas (soprano).

The concert was primarily focused on the Twelfth Doctor, with the majority of the music hailing from Series 8.

There were thirteen performances:

• London
  • 23 May 2015 - a matinee at 3pm and an evening show at 7:30pm.
  • 24 May 2015 - a matinee at 2pm.
• Cardiff
  • 25 May 2015 - a matinee at 3pm and an evening show at 7:30pm.
• Birmingham
  • 26 May 2015 - a matinee at 3pm and an evening show at 7:30pm.
• Leeds
  • 27 May 2015 - a matinee at 3pm and an evening show at 7:30pm.
• Newcastle
  • 28 May 2015 - a matinee at 3pm and an evening show at 7:30pm.
• Glasgow
  • 29 May 2015 - a matinee at 3pm and an evening show at 7:30pm.

There were several monsters present on stage and walking around the audience, including:

• A Silent
• A Vampire Girl
• A Judoon
• An Ice Warrior
• The Foretold
• The Teller and 2 Bank of Karabraxos Guards
• 2 Ood
• 2 Robot Knights
• 2 Silurians
• 2 Whisper Men
• 3 Dream crab Sleepers
• 3 Bronze Daleks
• 5 Cybermen

There were fifteen individual pieces in all. Six pieces performed, followed by a twenty-minute interval, then another nine pieces.

Some pieces followed the names and themes of their CD release counterparts, while others were extended pieces that used an overarching theme or initial name and piece to lead into other pieces.

Programme

Act One
Piece	Duration	Notes
A Good Man?	7'33''	"A Good Man? (Twelve's Theme)". First performed at the DWSS (ANZ Tour 2015).
Wherever, Whenever (Anywhere in Time and Space)	8'54''	Suite containing either all, or excerpts of, the following cues: "What Difference a Good Dalek?", "The Caretaker", "Rob the Bank", "Account Closed", "In the Woods", "Robin of Sherwood" & "Fear". First performed at the DWSS (ANZ Tour 2015).
The Doctor’s Theme / Song of Freedom	5'30''	"The Doctor's Theme Series Four" & "Song of Freedom". First performed at the 2008 Proms.
The Companions	6'56''	Suite containing either all, or excerpts of, the following cues: "Rose's Theme", "Martha's Theme", "Donna's Theme", "The Life and Death of Amy Pond" & "Amy's Theme". First performed at the 2013 Proms.
To Darkness	5'13''	Suite containing either all, or excerpts of, the following cues: "The Dark and Endless Dalek Night" & "Aristotle, We Have Been Hit". First performed at the DWSS (ANZ Tour 2015).
Last Christmas Suite	10'27''	Suite containing either all, or excerpts of, the following cues: "3 Perfectly Ordinary Roof People", "Ghosts", "We Don't Know What's Real", "Thinking About It", "Clara's Dream Christmas", "Sleigh Ride" & "Every Christmas is Last Christmas". First performed at the DWSS (ANZ Tour 2015).

Interval (20 mins)

Act Two
Piece	Duration	Notes
All the Strange, Strange Creatures	4'03''	"Missy's Theme", "All the Strange, Strange Creatures" & "Locked On". New edit; First performed at the 2013 Proms.
The Impossible Girl	3'38''	"Clara in the Tardis" & "Clara?" First performed at the 2013 Proms.
66 Seconds	5'24''	Suite containing either all, or excerpts of, the following cues: "Start the Clock", "There's That Smile" & "The Sarcophagus Opens". First performed at the DWSS (ANZ Tour 2015).
The Pandorica Suite	10'14''	Suite containing either all, or excerpts of, the following cues: "Who Else is Coming", "This is Where it Gets Complicated", "The Perfect Prison", "The Majestic Tale (of a Madman in a Box)", "The Same Sonic", "The Patient Centurion" & "I Am the Doctor". First performed at the 2010 Proms.
Abigail’s Song	4'40''	"Abigail's Song (Silence is all you Know)". First performed at the DWSS (Melbourne).
Fifty - This is Gallifrey	3'17''	"This is Gallifrey: Our Childhood, Our Home". First performed at the 2008 Proms.
Death in Heaven Suite	11'21''	Suite containing either all, or excerpts of, the following cues: "Missy's Theme", "The Song of Danny and Clara", "Missy's Theme - Extended", "Missy and Her Boys", "They Walk Among Us", "Freefall" & "(The Majestic Tale of) an Idiot with a Box". First performed at the DWSS (ANZ Tour 2015).
Vale Decem	3'18''	Encore piece. "Vale Decem". First performed at the 2013 Proms.
Doctor Who Theme	1'39''	Encore piece. 2012 arrangement. First performed at the 2013 Proms.

Notes

• Tickets for the Symphonic Spectacular went on sale on 1 August 2014.
• Initially the concert was only scheduled for two performances in London, but on 3 November 2014, a third performance was announced. Tickets for this extra show went on sale on 5 November 2014.
• The programme was identical to the previous Symphonic Spectacular held three months earlier.
• Two merchandise packs could be purchased with the tickets; a Standard Edition (£30) and a Platinum Edition (£50). The were sold by Event Merchandising.
• The Standard Edition Merchandise Pack included:
  • Online Exclusive T-Shirt (Sizes: S, M, L & XL)
  • Souvenir Programme with Limited Edition Cover
• The Platinum Edition Merchandise Pack included:
  • Online Exclusive T-Shirt (Sizes: S, M, L & XL)
  • Souvenir Programme with Limited Edition Cover
  • Tour Lithograph Poster (Limited Numbered Edition)
  • Souvenir Ticket
  • Limited Edition Tour Laminate & Lanyard

External links

• BBC National Orchestra of Wales
• BBC National Chorus of Wales
• Doctor Who Symphonic Spectacular