Image courtesy Madame Tussauds Blackpool. Test your strength against Hulk’s as you lift a yellow taxi and then watch your face turn green as you try!
Madame Tussauds Blackpool launched its epic new Marvel Superheroes addition at a VIP-filled launch this week, and I was lucky enough to be there on the night…
Truth to tell, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect of the event – or the “waxworks”, my last trip to Madame Tussauds London back in 1968 a pretty distant memory. But the whole experience was quite a treat, as it turned out, and I’m sure everyone reading this will be pleased to hear the million pound Marvel exhibit – currently starring Nick Fury, Groot, Hulk, Spider-Man and Thor – is an integral part of the whole attraction, not and “added extra”.
There were, of course, some bizarre moments. In the run up to the launch of Marvel’s latest film Infinity War Marvel Studios has been trumpeting it as “the most ambitious crossover event in history”, which of course prompted no end of bubble bursting hilarity over on Twitter. Perhaps going with the flow, Love Island‘s Amber Davies and Scott Thomas were among the celebrity faces at this launch, as was and Coronation Street star Samia Longchambon, an unusual mix of soap and reality stars which successfully caught the attention of the national press and local press and helped the new exhibition grab some headlines.
The previously undeveloped space adds 5501 square feet to the existing public footprint within the attraction that already includes a host of film, TV and variety stars, from Benny Hill and Ken Dodd to the Queen, Lady Gaga and yes, even Donald Trump. From the Rovers Return of Coronation Street (where you can sit with Deidre or pretend to be chatting to Street veteran Ken) to a Best of British section, there’s plenty to see, and the new Marvel Superheoes exhibit simply adds even more fun to a visit.
Fans wait eagerly for the exhibit to open
The “waxworks” have come a long way since 1968, with plenty of interactive opportunities for kids of all ages to enjoy. Incorporating four distinct zones, the new Marvel area includes a number of new figures as well as interactive experiences to truly excite and delight visitors.
The attraction takes inspiration from the original comics as well as the blockbuster films that continue be a huge hit at the box office and it really does offer Marvel fans the chance to get up close and personal to their favourite characters from the big screen.
Talking to the team behind this new exhibit, I’m told there are plans to add new characters (so of course, I put in my vote for Captain Britain) and they also hope to run some comic-inspired events during the year, too. We’ll keep you posted.
I think my lasting memory of the night has to be the young Spider-Man fan who not only seemed to be enjoying his heroes, but was totally captivated by the drums in the rock music section of Madame Tussauds. The sight of various family members (and staff) gently trying to persuade this determined toddler to give up his hard-won drum stick was almost as much fun as posing with Groot. Almost!
• Marvel Super Heroes is part of the main Madame Tussauds Blackpool attraction and is included in the ticket price, starting from £13.50 for children and £16.50 for adults (additional 20% discount available when tickets are booked online). For more information or book your ticket today visit: www.madametussauds.com/blackpool/en
When Marvel Superheroes met Love Island. The opening night of the new Marvel Superheroes exhibit at Madame Tussauds Blackpool. Photo: John Freeman
Each zone of the Marvel Superheroes exhibit provides a perfect photo opportunity as well as a truly immersive experience – a chance to make magical memories for both adults and children alike.
ZONE ONE
A vintage comic book store filled with Marvel classics and miniature action figures, the store is a portal that leads you into the real world of Marvel Super Heroes.
ZONE 2: THOR
Enter a Jotunheim ice cave and come face-to-face with the Asgardian god of thunder himself, before attempting to lift Thor’s legendary hammer Mjolnir, forged by Dwarven blacksmiths out of the Asgardian metal Uru.
ZONE 3: HULK
Madame Tussauds Blackpool – Marvel Superheroes – Hulk. Image: John Freeman
Love Island meets the Hulk.
Surrounded by debris and destruction, visitors will encounter the Hulk in a New York street. Guest can then put their strength to the test as they attempt to lift a yellow taxi, that has crashed and is covered in debris.
SPIDER-MAN
Underneath overhead railway arches guests see a series of skyscrapers, where the Daily Bugle has arrived to take a photograph of Spider-Man who is suspended high above the city streets.
ZONE4: GROOT (FOR NOW?)
Meet Groot – who like the Hulk is surely one of the tallest figures at Madame Tussauds (so many actors are really short!). Presumably, he’ll be joined by other figures later in the year..
Find out how the figures are made elsewhere in the attraction!
• Marvel Super Heroes is part of the main Madame Tussauds Blackpool attraction and is included in the ticket price, starting from £13.50 for children and £16.50 for adults (additional 20% discount available when tickets are booked online).
For more information or book your ticket today visit: www.madametussauds.com/blackpool/en
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The founder of downthetubes, which he established in 1998. John works as a comics and magazine editor, writer, and on promotional work for the Lakes International Comic Art Festival. He is currently editor of Star Trek Explorer, published by Titan – his third tour of duty on the title originally titled Star Trek Magazine.
Working in British comics publishing since the 1980s, his credits include editor of titles such as Doctor Who Magazine, Babylon 5 Magazine, and more. He also edited the comics anthology STRIP Magazine and edited several audio comics for ROK Comics. He has also edited several comic collections, including volumes of “Charley’s War” and “Dan Dare”.
He’s the writer of “Pilgrim: Secrets and Lies” for B7 Comics; “Crucible”, a creator-owned project with 2000AD artist Smuzz; and “Death Duty” and “Skow Dogs” with Dave Hailwood.
Categories: downthetubes Comics News, downthetubes News, Events, Exhibitions
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