In London: Finding Star Wars, Dr. Who and Sci-Fi

London is home to some of the world’s greatest architecture, impeccable fine dining and award-winning performing arts, plus sci-fi :-). With so many amazing attractions drawing people from all over the globe, you may be surprised to know that London is also a geek’s paradise.

From one of the world’s largest comic book stores to the setting for the longest running sci-fi program in TV history, London has everything you need to satisfy your inner nerd whether you are Team Star Trek or Team Star Wars.

Dr Who

Whether or not you are a geek you cannot live in, move to, or pass through London without some reference to Dr Who making an appearance.

Having first aired on BBC TV on November 23, 1963, Dr Who is one of the longest running sci-fi shows in television history. As the series is primarily filmed in London, this city is the perfect spot to take a walking Dr Who history tour, visit the locations of some of your favourite past episodes or perhaps even encounter an episode  being filmed.

Star Wars

As one of the largest cities on the planet, London has some pull. That means that when there is a new cult media exhibit making its way across the continents, we’re one of the first places for it to set up shop.

With Star Wars making its biggest comeback since Jar Jar Binks first opened his mouth and threatened to ruin the franchise, we are lucky enough to have a multitude of events leading us even further into this galaxy far, far away.

Star Wars Identities at the O2 is an exhibit that not only has one of the most in-depth collections of costumes and props from the films but also ponder what makes you who you are as you follow along the life stories of Luke and Anakin.

Madame Tussaud’s wax museum has a section dedicated to Star Wars so you can get up close with your favourite and least favourite characters. This one is on a limited run so be sure to have your picture taken with Han Solo before he leaves at the end of June.

Comic Con

Comic Cons are international and multi-genre entertainment and comic book conventions. Basically, your local Comic Con is the event of the year to get anything and everything you are looking for when it comes to cult media.

While San Diego hosts the original event, London not only has some of the largest Comic Cons but also holds mini events throughout the year.

The London Comic and Film Expo and MCM Comic Con have been pulling in record-breaking numbers for the past few years, while smaller communities like Croydon have attracted some notable guests for various sci-fi programs.

Forbidden Planet

If you are a proud geek like me you will already know about this cult entertainment mega store. A national chain with its flagship in London, Forbidden Planet is the store for everything comics, collectables, graphic novels and more.

Hosting signings and other events with authors, artists and key figures from cult media, it is the leader in all things wonderfully geeky.

 

 

 

By Natasha MacKenzie

The post In London: Finding Star Wars, Dr. Who and Sci-Fi appeared first on Felix Magazine.