STAR ONE 2005
A review by Gillian Puddle.
Horns tooted loudly, as cars jostled at speed for position round the one-way system before racing across the bridge. In contrast, the river below was a world away - a peaceful haven shared by serene swans and competitive rowers. It had to be Bedford. By the bridge, and overlooking the river, was a large hotel with psychedelic carpets in all public rooms and corridors. That had to be the Moat House Hotel. It was early spring … it had to be Star One.
So much was familiar, yet the third Star One convention was subtly different from the previous two. The packed programme offered a great selection of things to see and do throughout the weekend, and yet the atmosphere was extremely relaxed.
For those who arrived on the Friday, there was the opportunity to discover just how much they remembered – or had forgotten – about Blake’s 7. Andrea, Sarah and Sue had prepared an imaginative and challenging quiz, which resulted in many irritating ‘I know it, but can’t think of it’ moments. The evening’s ‘Masterminds’ turned out to be ‘Og’ (alias Steve Rogerson) and his team, who were awarded a well-deserved prize.
Tenth Planet had brought together an impressive list of guests – Paul Darrow, Steven Pacey, Michael Keating, Gareth Thomas, Jacqueline Pearce, Jan Chappell, David Collings and David Maloney. During the weekend, each guest was interviewed, attended photograph and autograph sessions, and took part in the very popular coffee clubs. As these offered the opportunity of talking to guests informally in a small group, Paul Darrow had no problem auctioning the tickets each morning. The proceeds went to the convention charity, Denville Hall, a home for retired actors.
Following Paul Jones’ Saturday morning introduction, Paul Darrow and Steven Pacey came on stage to enthusiastic applause. It was at this point that the audience was introduced to the idea that Paul was searching for the way to Amarillo in a tuneful sort of way. However, he remained for the light-hearted question & answer session with Steven, which set the convention off to a flying start.
Throughout the day, there were interviews with David Collings, Jacqueline Pearce, David Maloney and Steven Pacey. These covered a wide range of subjects. All were interesting and informative. Jacqueline’s interview was also thought provoking and moving as she spoke frankly about her recent experiences since being diagnosed and treated for breast cancer.
Paul paused long enough from his journey to Amarillo to host the
afternoon auction where a number of items, including
some lovely photos, rare scripts, books and a painting, were snapped up.
The raffle was drawn, and two lucky people won Sunday
breakfast with Paul and Michael. A hard act to follow, but Steven Pacey’s
interview by Alan Stevens was something else. Steven’s charming forgetfulness
about anything to do with Blake’s 7 in general and Tarrant in particular,
is becoming legendary at Star One. As Alan sought to discover Tarrant’s
motivations and inner thoughts, Steven’s engaging smile widened. “Really?”
he asked, running a hand through his curls. “I have no idea what you’re
talking about!” His quick wit and repartee had the audience, and Alan,
in fits of laughter. It was a great performance and rounded off the
Saturday afternoon session in fine style.A treat awaited all Dr Who fans, as the Saturday evening’s episode was shown on large screens in the main hall at 7pm. Immediately following, those attending the Celebrity Dinner made their way to the Pilgrim Room, where tables were attractively set for the meal. Apart from David Collings, who had left to attend rehearsals for a play, all the guests attended. After a pleasant meal, the guests kindly lined up for a photocall.
The night was but young, and at 9.45pm, the main hall was packed for a ‘Name that Tune’ quiz, to be hosted by Paul Darrow and Derek Hambly. As Paul came through the doors into the hall, Peter Kay appeared on the screens beside the stage and ‘Show me the way to Amarillo’ filled the air. Surprised and delighted, Paul exuberantly danced his way into and around the hall, and finally onto the stage. The upbeat tone of the evening was set, and the time sped by. Most people found it wasn’t that easy remembering TV/film tunes old and new, although some seemed to remember all the words to ‘Rupert the Bear’! At the close, Paul made his way out to synchronised clapping and his newly acquired theme tune.
Sunday’s programme was just as full. Jan Chappell, Gareth Thomas, David Maloney, Paul Darrow and Michael Keating were interviewed during the day. The short film ‘Blake’s Junction 7’ was shown in the afternoon. Having visited a similar motorway service station on the way to Bedford, watching ‘Avon’ wrestling with the complexities of the coffee machine and the rest of the crew ordering ‘motorway fare’ was hilarious. Afterwards, one of the film’s producers talked about his affection for the series and the making of the film.
After the final ‘thank yous’ to all, particularly Maureen and Derek, who had put in so much work to make Star One 2005 such a wonderful event, the convention was brought to a close. As Peter Kay appeared on the screen with a final rendition of ‘Amarillo’, Paul and Michael danced together down the central aisle. ‘Strictly Come Dancing’ it wasn’t, but it was a fitting ending to a marvellous fun-filled weekend.
Photo’s copyright Steve Rogerson.
For more Star One photo’s visit http://homepages.poptel.org.uk/steve.rogerson