The Smeg Heads Return
On Sunday the 5th February, I attended my first Convention of 2017, Smeg Heads Strike Back. There is no better way to start-off the year events, than with a First Contact Conventions event. And actors from my all-time favourite TV show, Red Dwarf. The guests announced were Craig Charles, Robert Llewellyn and Norman Lovett. Even though I have met them all before it didn’t stop me from buying a ticket. I know that a convention run by Scotty and team, is always going to be worth it.
This event did not disappoint, what an amazing day! You cannot beat getting to spend a day doing something you love. Surrounded by great friends and with actors from a show you’ve loved since you were little. When Red Dwarf first started filming 30 years ago, Craig and Danny were younger than I am now. And to be able to bring the show back after that gap and still have such a huge fan base what a great achievement.
Skype with Danny
Unfortunately, only days before the event Danny John-Jules received news that his father had passed away. He was unable to make the flight, but because he is such an amazing guy. He joined us for a quick Skype session. Attendees were able to ask him questions. There was a moment when Danny left the screen and came back with a photo. It was a photo of his parents on their wedding day, where his father was wearing a suit. The suit that Danny wore for his Red Dwarf audition. Which is when they came up for the idea of having Cat wear the suits.
He showed us another photo, this one was of himself, with the late great David Bowie. Whom he had worked with on Labyrinth. The even through in a photo from the new Series XII, spoiler but something to look forward to. Craig, Robert and Norman also came in and had a brief chat with Danny on Skype, with all of us there.
Following the chat with Danny, there was a photo session followed by a lunch break. For anyone who had brought a VIP ticket, they were able to enjoy a nice lunch with the guests. After lunch the afternoon was jam packed with all the panels. All of which were absolutely amazing, you can’t expect any less with such entertaining comedic guys.
Smeg Head Panels
The first panel for the day was Robert’s, he spoke about writing. His own show Fully Charged and of course about wearing the Kryten suit. During the majority of his panel Craig was at the back of the room heckling him as he does. Robert shared stories from filming Red Dwarf. Including an especially funny memory from when they filmed ‘Gunman of the Apocalypse’ and how they had to ride the horses. He also shared tales from the more recent filming with Series XI and XII.
Norman was up next as he took over straight after Robert, Norman spoke about his comedic style which is most definitely deadpan. He gave us a taste of his comedic style and then answered any questions. Once again, Craig enjoyed heckling from the back of the room.
Craig’s Panel
Next on the stage was the ever-entertaining Craig Charles. Craig answered questions from attendees, shared his own stories with us. He also gave us his side of the behind the scenes during ‘Gunman of the Apocalypse’ episode. The story was that he gave Chris’ horse a clap and made it gallop off. Poor Chris who had never ridden a horse before.
He also shared a poem with us, which was amazing. He really is a very talented guy. Nearing the end of his panel, the other two joined him on the stage. And we got to enjoy a moment with the three of them up there bouncing off each other, they’re so entertaining together.
Smeg Photos and Autos
I came to this event thinking that I would not spend any money. Especially not on photos or autos because I have them all already. How wrong I was, I ended up getting a group photo with all three of them and had them autograph it for me. I just could not resist. These guys are so much fun, I had to get a fun photo with them. So that’s exactly what I did and I am glad for it too. What a great way to remember the day and these amazing men who I have watched since I was young.
COMPLETE GUEST LIST |
Craig Charles, Robert Llewellyn, Norman Lovett and Danny John-Jules via Skype. |
Comments