The guests: From left, Benedict Taylor, Barry Morse, Hattie Hayridge, Kenneth Colley, Elisabeth Sladen, Michael Sheard, Bruce Boa and Dave Prowse.
Review continued.... Hattie Hayridge was the first to do a talk in our video room at noon. She spoke about her role as Holly the computer in Red Dwarf and her career as a comedienne.
Next up was Michael Munn, a journalist on the set of The Empire Strikes Back. In fact Michael was the only reporter allowed on to the set during filming.
He told the crowded Essex Hall that in 1976 he had been working for a film magazine and had gone along to the set of a new film called Star Wars. Not knowing who was in it he asked and was a little surprised to learn that one of its stars was a carpenter, called Harrison Ford. Michael knew Alec Guinness and Peter Cushing personally though, so was reasonably impressed with the line-up. During one such visit George Lucas approached him and told him to get into an orange jump suit, as he was to be part of the Rebel Alliance before its attack on the Death Star.
Four years later he was again invited to go to the set of The Empire Strikes Back. Michael told how he turned up to be greeted by Mark Hamill, who showed him around the set. He was taken to the impressive Dagobah stage, where swamps had sprouted up, and asked why there were so many holes in the floor. "That's where Yoda sits," replied Mark.
Michael also had the enviable task of having lunch with Carrie Fisher. Michael said the Princess Leia actress was "off the wall" and fairly unpredictable. His first question, "Are they any problems being the daughter of Debbie Reynolds ad Eddie Fisher?" was met with "the only problem is people reminding me of the fact". But after that she apparently warmed up and revealed she would have been a singer in Vegas had she not been in Star Wars.
Michael then spoke of meeting Harrison Ford, one of the most laid-back people you could ever meet. While filming Empire Harrison was going through a divorce with his wife and off-set was quite down. But Michael said that as soon as the cameras started rolling Harrison was straight into action and full of the Machiavellian spirit that Solo was famous for.
After Michael the room became even more packed for Elisabeth Sladen's talk. A round of applause greeted her as she entered and she soon set about telling of her role as Sarah-Jane in Dr Who, arguably the best known of the Doctor's assistants.
Having just finished two episodes of Z Cars she was called up by the BBC. Not realising she was in line to be the new assistant, she went along, and was a little surprised when she was asked to meet Jon Pertwee as well. The pair got on and she was offered the part of Sarah-Jane.
Sarah-Jane was an instant success, being the vulnerable assistant to the protective Doctor. Despite nearly drowning while filming due to a jet-ski accident Elisabeth quickly became a firm favourite with fans, and her third series is now regarded as one of the Dr Who classics.
Elisabeth revealed that Jon Pertwee only quit his role due to a row over pay. He had gone to ask for a pay rise and been refused flat, so decided to walk out on the spot, a decision Elisabeth said he regretted ever since.
The new Doctor was Tom Baker, a more extravagant and outlandish Doctor, who didn't have as much time for Sarah-Jane as his predecessor. Elisabeth decided it was time to call it a day while the show was on a high, and she felt things couldn't get any better. Her talk was funny and enlightening, and she answered several questions from fans before returning to sign more autographs.
Our quiz was won by John Vincent, from Tiptree, in Essex, who weighed in with an impressive 29/30. To try the quiz for yourself go here.
Michael
Sheard presented John with his numerous sci-fi prizes, which were donated by Creatures
Unlimited.
The convention itself drew to a close at 4pm, with dozens of people still milling about the hall. It had surpassed all expectations by a lightyear, and it was a genuine pleasure to see the guests and the visitors so satisfied with everything.
The only problem will be trying to top it next year!
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For details and photos from the 1999 event click here. For more info call 01255 253220.