Celebrities bring 'Hollywood to Northumberland' museum

Die-hard science-fiction fans, John Page of The Movie Prop Warehouse in Prudhoe, and Neil Cole, creator and curator of The Museum of Classic Sci-Fi in Allendale, have revealed an exciting new venture.

The North Pennines is to become a 'premier destination for film buffs and sci-fi fans', as the two local institutions officially join forces to launch a year-long series of celebrity guest events.

The collaboration was born out of John and Neil's shared passion for science fiction and fantasy movies.

The 'lightbulb moment' for a public-facing event occurred during a recent visit to The Movie Prop Warehouse by Paul Kasey, known to Star Wars fans as Admiral Raddus in Rogue One.

Tim Dry is the first celebrity to attend the Museum's guest events (Image: Supplied)

John said: "We had the idea that after the last private signing event, we should get the guests to visit the museum when the public can visit. It’s a way to share that experience with the fans."

Neil added: “The wonderful thing about our planned ‘Sci-Fi Saturday Signings’ is that visitors won’t need a special ticket to attend.

Tim Dry as Xtro (Image: Supplied)

"The Museum will be open as normal, but with a special guest inside for those fans to be able to chat and meet should they wish! It’s extremely exciting.

"John is helping me fulfil my original intentions for the Museum, to make the magic of sci-fi movies and television accessible to all fans.

"With larger comic cons becoming increasingly corporate and costly for the average fan, our ‘Sci-Fi Saturday Signings’ are aiming to provide a truly informal and friendly opportunity to chat with professionals who have worked on some extraordinary productions first hand. Situating them within the television and movie history that is The Museum of Classic Sci-Fi is just perfect," he added.

Tim Dry is to lead the inaugural event (Image: Supplied)

The partnership aims to bring a diverse range of actors from iconic franchises, including Star Wars and Doctor Who, to Northumberland over the next twelve months.

The series will begin this March with a guest who holds special significance for the organisers.

Tim Dry is a veteran of the Star Wars universe and also portrayed the alien in the cult sci-fi horror film, Xtro, with both organisers citing their love for the film as the reason for selecting Dry to lead the inaugural event.

For residents, the partnership promises a consistent stream of 'Hollywood in the Valley,' offering rare access to the performers behind some of cinema’s most famous masks and costumes.

Details regarding ticket sales and specific dates for the March launch are expected to be released in the coming weeks. Fans are encouraged to keep a close eye on the social media channels for both the Museum of Classic Sci-Fi and The Movie Prop Warehouse.