EntertainmentExhibitions

Scene Motion Picture Exhibition at the Winter Gardens Blackpool Review

SceneScene
Motion Picture Exhibition
Winter Gardens, Blackpool

9-30 July 2016

www.wintergardensblackpool.co.uk

Reviewed by Jan Mellor

The first thing that struck me as we entered the Winter Gardens in Blackpool was the exquisite and dramatic building that the exhibition was held in. The 19th century building had lovely tea rooms/bars that would extend the nostalgia of the visit even more.

As my 11 year- old walked through the opening doors of ‘Scene’ he exclaimed “Wow!!” which is exactly what the film enthusiastic prop-men wanted to hear, after dedicating the last few months working on a project to bring the props of well-known films of the last 50 years alive. As we walked through the Star Wars tunnel, past the ‘Ghostbusters’ car smashing through a wall and Herbie the most famous VW of all time we were faced with the recreation of  ‘Jurassic Park’  with the famous gates. A very realistic T-Rex head, the original car from Mad Max 1, Disney’s Lightening McQueen from ‘Cars’, the DeLorean from ‘Back to the Future’ and even the iconic yellow 3-wheeler  from ‘Only Fools and Horses’. The venue was arranged  in film areas and it was very useful that in front of each prop was the background to each film  to enable visitors of all ages (like my son, who had no idea what ‘Knightrider’s’ car, Kit, was!) to understand and relate to the item they were looking at. For the teen and adult visitors there was a horror section that included figures from films ‘Hellraiser’, ‘Friday 13th’ and ‘Saw’ – this area also included special effects noises and 3D mirrors – be careful you may see something from your nightmares! As we moved from the circular exterior to the inner ballroom we met a 8ft Hulk, ET, C3PO, Ewoks (Return of the Jedi), Darth Vader, Iron Man, Daleks, Dr Who’s Tardis, Laura Croft statues (originals from the film) and to my delight the throne from ‘Game of Thrones’.

On my visit the team were just setting up the last touches but I was advised that from today (9 July) there would be music/sound effects in each area, children’s activities (treasure-hunting, workshops, finger puppets, competitions) and that characters would be performing at each event linking to the theme of the day (Ghostbusters, horror, superheroes etc.). The dance group Stormtroopers (from BGT) was appearing on Saturday 9th July to cover the Star Wars theme. As an extension to the exhibition there was to be a car show that would drive down the promenade at Blackpool that would include all famous cars from films and there was an extensive shop selling all memorability from the films that would no doubt thrill all children and film buffs alike (my son was very taken with a horse’s mask and Mad Max goggles).

The exhibition is value for money (£9.95 per adult / £6.95 per child / £25 family ticket) with the great advantage that there is no charge to take personal photos with the props although donations to local charities are asked for. The exhibition runs from 9-30 July each week having a different theme. To attend the event people need to book times of their visits – this will enable the visit to go smoothly and will reduced queuing.

I would recommend this exhibition to anyone who has a keen interest in the films of the last 50 years or so, would like to embraced by film characters and love the idea of a fun day out in a beautiful building.

Rating: 4/5

Tickets cost £9.95 Adult / £6.95 Child / Family tickets available

Scene – the Motion Picture Exhibition is at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool until 30 July 2016. For more information or to book tickets click here or call the box office on 0844 856 1111.

Winter Gardens & Opera House Theatre, 97 Church Street, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY1 1HL

4 Star

Show More
Back to top button