Welcome to the sixth in a series of recollections from Fantha Tracks regular contributor Paul Naylor. In this memoir, Paul recounts the trials and tribulations of collecting autographs of our favourite heroes and villains.
Prologue
Sometimes, it’s about being in the right place at the right time. It’s about connecting the dots and the full picture will reveal itself.
When Celebration Europe was announced I was working for the Shropshire Star in Telford as part of the features team. Having already written several Star Wars articles for the paper and its sister publication the Express & Star, I approached my Editor with a cheeky request. Would he back my application for a three-day media pass to London’s ExCel for the biggest Star Wars convention of the year?
Weeks later, and with my passes all sorted, it was time to venture down to the capital for an adventure that was as full of surprises as the Star Wars galaxy itself.
A good friend of mine lived in central London and I did an Ed Sheeran – slept on his sofa for the extended weekend.
Thursday night: Having collected my pass from the O2 earlier in the day, I made my way to a fantastic pre-convention taster at #CANTINA held at the O2, and part-organised by fellow Fantha Tracker Martin Keeler
I was now more than ready for three glorious Star Wars days of panels, collectables and meeting my favourite characters – albeit the actors – in person.
Episode 6: Celebrating with a wookiee, a twi’lek and an admiral
July 15, 2016, Celebration Europe, ExCel, London
With a head buzzing from the night before, I made my way to the tube station, obligatory Rebel ensign T-Shirt on, Star Wars attaché bag across my shoulder, convention pass around my neck.
By the time I reached the DLR train it was almost like being on board an Imperial troop transporter, with Star Wars fans outnumbering those not there for the event.
Having queued for an eternity I was eventually inside. For those who have never been to Celebration, imagine the most incredible sensory overload possible – now double it.
Having soaked up the atmosphere I made my way to the autograph hall. For many of the bigger names signing that weekend, a ticket needed to be acquired from floor staff. I hadn’t a cat in Hell’s chance of getting one for Mark Hamill or Carrie Fisher, so I made a mental note to prioritise getting those the following day.
Luckily I managed to get access to the Peter Mayhew queue. Now, what you must be prepared for as a fan of these films is that meeting your heroes doesn’t always go to plan – ask Rey, right?
Peter was grumpy. No, scratch that, Peter was GRUMPY! I’d asked for two autographed pictures – one for my son Matthew and another for me.
He obliged without saying a word. It was only when I got my phone out and attempted to take a picture of Peter signing that he barked at me: “Too late. Only while I’m signing, not after.” Charming!
Oh well, I still love the bones of you Chewie/Peter. Put it down to an early start to the day and a lengthy queue.
Pleased with my wookiee autograph, I made my way just around the corner to meet some of the saga’s supporting actors.
First up Bib Fortuna actor Michael Carter. Michael was great. We had a chat about the filmmaking process, and contact lenses of all things.
I think the technology has come on a bit as my contact lenses don’t appear to be anywhere near as painful as the ones he endured whilst filming Return of the Jedi.
Next up, Admiral Piett actor Kenneth Colley. We talked at length, especially about how Piett was only originally slated to appear in The Empire Strikes Back. Fan reaction to the character encouraged George Lucas to write him in to Return of the Jedi. A lovely, timid guy. Certainly doesn’t come across as the type to scream orders at stormtroopers and officers.
My first day at Celebration Europe was amazing – however, what followed on day two surpassed my wildest dreams. But as Maz Kanata would say, it’s a story for another time….