Star One Con Report
by Nicola Mody
Star One was held in Bedford, England, with guests Gareth Thomas, Michael Keating, Paul Darrow, David Jackson, Jacqueline Pearce, Steven Pacey, Stephen Greif, Janet Lees Price, and Glyn Owen.
I went all the way to the UK for this convention (probably the first and probably the last Blake's 7 con I'll ever attend) when I heard Michael Keating was a guest. He hadn't been at many cons so I grabbed my chance to see him and the rest of the excellent guest line-up, and have a three-week holiday at the same time.
Cast photos
Photos of the cast, con-goers, and costumes
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Guest panels
Other events
Dinner with the Michael and the cast
Photo sessions with Paul and Michael at which I learned the origin of the name 'Soolin' and there was Avon and Vila-type banter Coffee Club with Michael Keating: Michael was just lovely. He offered the ten of us coffee or tea and a bowl of sweets, then asked each of us in turn about ourselves and our interests. I said that I loved to write and asked him if he'd accept a gift, and he said yes. I gave him a printed copy of Vila Restal's Emails dedicated to him. If I remember correctly, I wrote, "For Michael Keating with respect and admiration. Thanks for making Vila so real." and signed it. He looked delighted to receive it. OK, he's an actor, but I also got the impression he's a very genuine and kind person, and who knows, maybe he looked at it and got a laugh or two out of it. |
Summary
I loved meeting fans I've only known by e-mail and all the guests were delightful. One common theme that came out in all their sessions was their sorrow and sometimes bitterness at the changed world of acting. Maybe that will change.
Going half-way round the world to see the cast was extravagant, but I'm glad I did. I met a lot of lovely people, made more friends, and had a great holiday afterwards. Those of you who live in the UK: don't take your cons and frequent opportunities to meet the cast for granted. If I lived there, I'd go to everything I could—for the pleasure of meeting the cast, and the company of the wonderful fans I've got to know. |