During a captivating panel at MegaCon in Orlando, Florida, Alex Kingston shared humorous anecdotes from her experiences while working alongside Matt Smith on Doctor Who. From 2010 to 2014, Matt Smith portrayed the Eleventh Doctor, and Kingston, who played Professor River Song, described the unique atmosphere during that time, especially how the cast bonded amidst the chaos.
Kingston opened up about her time on the show, noting that while living in the states during Smith’s era, she often returned to England to film episodes. “Every time I joined in,” she recalled, “the group, which was Matt, Karen [Gillan] and Arthur [Darvill], had sort of bonded more and had become more confident in themselves and in their relationships. It was lovely to see.” She observed a noticeable growth in the cast, who became like a tight-knit family as they navigated the challenges of portraying their memorable characters.
Taking over from David Tennant, Smith faced the considerable challenge of stepping into a role that had garnered immense love and dedication from fans. Kingston remarked on the pressure Matt Smith experienced, saying, “It was particularly for Matt, he was having to fill some very, very big shoes… there was a lot of pressure on them all to be as good if not better.” However, as time progressed, she saw significant improvements in their chemistry and performance. “Each time I came back they were so much better and having such a good time,” she added. “It was like… towards, I mean, I’d say a couple of years in, it was literally… I felt like I was working with a sack full of puppies.” Her light-hearted comparison to a “sack full of puppies” drew uproarious laughter from the audience, illustrating the playful environment that defined part of Smith’s era.
Kingston went on to describe the frenetic energy of the on-set environment, likening the trio of Smith, Gillan, and Darvill to rock stars, saying, “They were… you were mental you guys… it was like the Rolling Stones or something. You never went to bed.” Her insights provided a glimpse behind the curtain of a production that balanced chaos with creativity, and she admitted to feeling like she was “sort of trying to be Mary Poppins… keeping it all together.”
Even amid the unprofessionalism that often emerged during the shooting, Kingston embraced the joy and enthusiasm radiating from her colleagues. “It was just nuts,” she claimed, recalling their antics. “You were so unprofessional but having such a good time.” Her tales included a wink to the infamous press tour in New York City, revealing that despite the fun, the work ethic and commitment never faltered.
The lively exchange during the panel showcased not only the camaraderie shared among the main cast but also the immense joy of producing a beloved show like Doctor Who. Kingston’s anecdotes offered fans a chance to relive the spark of excitement that defined Matt Smith’s time as the Eleventh Doctor. In attendance, Arthur Darvill humorously quipped, “I could never do it now,” offering a playful nod to the intensity of those memories and the impact of their collective experience.
For fans interested in revisiting the joyous era of Matt Smith on Doctor Who, Seasons 1-13 are currently available to stream on Max. Kingston’s storytelling highlights the spirited atmosphere of the production, revealing why this period remains a cherished segment in the franchise’s long history.
