WilliamShatner.com :: BILL HITS THE LONDON STAGE

BILL HITS THE LONDON STAGE
Posted by: Jane.Singer on Tuesday, January 21, 2003 - 09:27 AM

	On January 5th, Bill appeared at Creation Entertainment's first ever London Star Trek convention. We are pleased to bring you coverage of the event courtesy of Lynn Hartshorn.
<p align="right"><font size="2" color="#FFFFFF" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"> January 21, 2003</font> <p align="left"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">William Shatner appeared at Creation Entertainment's London Star Trek convention on January 5th. We're pleased to bring you coverage of his appearance courtesy of Club member Lynn Hartshorn. </font> <p align="center"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2"></font> <p align="center"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="1">Above, BBS regulars Roxy and LizHart. Bill is in the background, signing autographs. Photos courtesy of Lynn Hartshorn.</font> <p align="left"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">"It's been ages since I've been to a convention. Business commitments just made it impossible in the last few years as I'm only interested in TOS, they don't appeal the same. However, when I found out that "HE" was going to actually do a convention in the UK for the first time in over 15 years, well, I just had to go. So, as a Christmas present to myself, I booked my place fo the Sunday of the Creation con. That half day along cost me more than 3 days at a usual convention, but for the chance to see Bill in person, it was worth it.</font> <p align="left"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">This was Creation's first convention in the UK, so I didn't know what to expect. A United Kingdom convention usually consists of three full days entertainment including guest speakers, videos, art exhibitions, auction, dealers room and a party on Saturday night. There was a dealers room, and I managed to find Bills new Quest for Tomorrow book, which was a bonus. The main hall was very sparsely attended for most of the half-day program, but from about half an hour before Bill was due on, it began to fill up. You could feel the atmosphere really begin to "hot up" and the general excited buzz of conversation. My friend and I were sitting next to a mother and her 14 year old son, who had traveled from Cardiff to see Bill and Kate (Mulgrew). They were both really looking forward to seeing "The Captain." This was their first convention ever; and they couldn't get over how friendly everyone was and how nice the guest speakers turned out to be. </font> <p align="left"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">There was a 5 minute music video salute to Captain Kirk and then they introduced him. He practically bounded onto the stage and immediately received a rapturous standing ovation. He had shaved the beard off by the way ladies, but he had a lovely tan, presumably from his vacation in Hawaii. Flashes were going off all over the place and I'm amazed he wasn't instantly blinded! People settled down eventually and those that had the courage, went to the sides of the stage to ask questions. The questions ranged from Bill's books to missing DeForest Kelley. Bill apologized for being a little jet lagged...he had flown in from Hawaii. I don't think anyone noticed, they were just so happy to see him, and he was still full of energy. He soon had us all eating out of his hand. One person asked him if he actually lived in the 23rd century, would he rather be an actor or a Starship Captain? He thought about it a bit, then laughed and said "Starship Captain." A lady from Germany posed a question someone asked another actor the previous day: "When you have to kiss someone for a scene, how do you decide whether to just kiss them, or to really kiss them?" Bill laughed and then said, "You really kiss them, otherwise what would be the point?" That got most of the ladies grinning, applauding and laughing all at the same time.</font> <p align="left"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2"> I recognized the next person at the mike as Spudgun (right), even though he had it written in large letters on his t-shirt. He comes from Birmingham, which has quite a strong local accent. Spudgun started to mention about the website and Bill was completely lost to begin with and couldn't understand what Spudgun had said. Spud talked about how great the site was, that he had made some good friends on it, and that people should check it out. Then he asked about paintball. It was at this point that I think Bill took in the t-shirt and said "SPUDGUN - I know that name!" You should have seen Spud, he grew about 2 feet taller! His chest puffed out and he had a big grin plastered on his face! Bill talked some more about paintball, the markers (not called guns for obvious reasons) the DVD and what a great time he had. Roxy and Lizhart then asked him a question. Then all three walked away grinning happily. </font> <p align="left"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Near the end, a very proud dad carrying his 3-4 year old son asked a question but his son was obviously trying to get him to do something. The proud dad then said that his son would really love to hear Bill say "Khan" like from the movie. With a wry grin and no need for a mike whatsoever, Bill called out the name "KKKKKKHHHHHHHAAAAAAAANNNNN!!!!" Made my hair stand on end! </font> <p align="left"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">After a few more questions, that part came to an end and the autograph session began. Although I have a number of autographed items, none have actually been done in front of me, so to speak. So I wanted something really special this time. It would definitely have to be a book, but which one? I love Bill's Trek books, they are much better than many of the others out there, and I basically treat them as my cannon Trek. Forget what Paramount has done with the franchise, in my Trek universe Kirk lives, goes on adventures and loves again. Then there are all the other ones, from Star Trek Memories and Get a Life! to I'm Working On That. It was a really tough decision as to which book I would get autographed, but I eventually decided upon one, Captain's Log: The Making of Star Trek V that Lisabeth wrote. I had previously been lucky enough to get to a signing session at a nearby bookstore and have her autograph it. I love the movie, adore the actor/director and have a great deal of respect for the author. Father and daughter in the same book couldn't really be improved upon. </font> <p align="left"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Richard Arnold was sitting next to Bill, and he and I go back years. I used to be on the Committee for Midcon (UK convention) for many years and Richard was a guest from way back. Unfortunately, Bill was one of the few guest stars we never managed to get even after I offered to be "personal body guard." The other committee members just used to pat me kindly on the head and raise their eyes heavenward! Richard has always teased me about my "support" for Bill, but I can give as good as I get and he knows it. So after a quick "Hello" and "How are you?" there I was standing in front of HIM! He did look a bit tired, but he smiled, took the book, looked up at me after realising he was signing under his daughter's signature and then signed his name. I said a rather shaky "Thank you" and split. He still has the same effect on me, even after all these years!</font> <p align="left"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2"> I saw Spudgun, Roxy and Lizhart get their signatures and they all came away dazed and grinning like Cheshire cats! I did a quick calculation and realised that Bill must have signed over 300-400 autographs at that session. I don't know how he managed, my hand was aching in sympathy. But I don't think anyone went away disappointed. </font> <p align="left"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">So, that was it. All over far too quickly, but we all had a great time catching up with old friends, making new ones and getting to see Bill. Not much beats that. Hopefully, it won't be so long until he's here again. Until then, "Thank you Bill for sharing, being charming, funny and everything we thought you would be."</font> <p align="left"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Again, our thanks to Lynn Hartshorn for sharing her experience at the London convention with all of us. We hope to add more photos in the near future, so keep checking back.</font> <p align="left">  <p align="right"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2" color="#FFFFFF">Sandy Moruzzi and Jane Singer</font> <p align="left"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2" color="#FFFFFF">P.S. Our next column will appear on February 11, 2003. Meanwhile, if you missed one of our past web columns, you can view them in the SFI Archive. </font> <p align="right"><font size="2" color="#FFFFFF" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif"> </font> <hr /><p align="left"><font face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" color="" size="2"><font color="#FFFFFF">Shatner & Friends International is William Shatner's official fan club. We are a community of friends drawn together by an appreciation of William Shatner, the actor and the man. </font></font> <p align="left"><font color="#FFFFFF" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">O</font><font color="#FFFFFF" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">ur first newsletter, The Best of Times, is posted online. Each issue features the latest news about Bill and his activities, exclusive interviews, articles, lots of candid photos, charity updates and much more. The next one will be published in early 2003.</font> <p align="left"><font color="#FFFFFF" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2"> We will post time sensitive information concerning Bill's appearance schedule within Bill's online calendar. It's updated regularly, so keep checking back. </font> <p align="left"><font color="#FFFFFF" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2"><font size="-1">If you're interested in joining the Club, annual membership includes a beautiful autographed 8x10 photograph of William Shatner as Captain Kirk, a copy of Bill's credits, a short biography, a subscription to The Best of Times and the opportunity to participate in our annual Shatner Weekend. Membership also grants access to the Captain's Club, an exclusive members-only part of WilliamShatner.com which includes a bulletin board and Club merchandise. Click here to join.</font></font> <p align="left"><font color="#FFFFFF" face="Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">We are excited to be part of WilliamShatner.com and we will be making regular updates to the website. </font>