Star Wars: The Exhibition

A preview of the celebration of 'Star Wars' that kicked off at County Hall over the weekend.

May  8 2007

Kicking off the thirtieth birthday celebrations for this epic film series is the arrival of a touring exhibition at County Hall on the South Bank. Fans will be able to admire original props, models, art, vehicles and costumes from the entire 'Star Wars' saga. Among the exhibits from the Lucasfilm archives is the Naboo N-1 Starfighter, the sleek design of which apparently exemplifies the philosophy of art and function typical of Naboo technology (I am perhaps the only person on Earth never to have seen a 'Star Wars' movie and I've had to brave the very orange and purple website to bring you this information).

The exhibition's interactive elements include Jedi training. More in-depth research reveals that 'Jedi instruction is rigidly structured and codified to enforce discipline and hinder transgression'. To become a Jedi requires the 'most serious mind' and deepest commitment. It's clearly not a venture to be undertaken lightly. The thing is, as Jedi candidates are detected, identified and taken into the order as infants, getting involved in this training lark seems a bit pointless for anyone over the age of two. You'd probably be better off giving the green-screen simulation that makes visitors a part of scenes from the films a whirl.

The exhibition will run at Coutry Hall, Riverside Building, Westminster Bridge Road, SE1 7PB until December 31. For more information, head to the official website here or call 0870 534 4444.

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