MCM have quite a bad rep when it comes to their event. Prior to this one I’d only been once before and that was to meet the two Dax’s from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine at an EXPO a few years back. The ladies were the only reason we were there and to be honest everything seemed to go in our favour that day. We were escorted straight past the enormous queue for general entry with our early bird tickets in hand and were able to meet them both and get photos without much hassle. Personally I hate handing over cash in front of guests and loved the idea of smileys and as there wasn’t a huge demand for photos the bad organisation wasn’t that big a deal. We even managed to squeeze in a quick peek at a few new computer games and of course admire the amazing cosplays on display (way, way before I even contemplated joining in!)
This year I was enticed back by the girls from Torchwood: Miracle Day. With the show having finished airing what are the chances of the American cast coming back to the UK in the future? Probably slim to none. The announcement of Freema Agyeman making this her first ever signing event was also a boost. And with Torchwood regulars Eve Myles and Kai Owen also joining them it was a no-brainer to get pictures with them all.
The main issue with this event was the fact that it was actually two shows running at the same time. MCM EXPO and MCM Memorabilia with different entry prices and some guests scheduled to attend both. Scared of missing out I got early entry for both shows on the Saturday (I was also planning on meeting Aaron Ashmore of Smallville fame but changed my mind as I didn’t want to start another collection of autographs!) in total or the weekend alone it cost £44 just for entry which lets face it is ridiculous!
Once we were in and got our bearings it was straight to the smiley queue for autograph vouchers. I really wasn’t sure whether to get Freema’s autograph and in the end I decided against it instead settling for Kai and the two Miracle Day girls Arlene Tur and Alexis Malcolmson (I’d met Eve only a few weeks beforehand at EMS) It might seem strange getting autographs from two minor characters (well smaller roles that the Doctor’s assistant anyway!) but I’m a Torchwood girl at heart more than Doctor Who and I adored Miracle Day. I did however get a photoshoot with Freema which I think is much more personal than a scribble on a picture that a hundred other people are also going to get right after you. As much as I wanted to get the group Miracle Day shoot with all four actors that were there I couldn’t justify the cost and instead settled on two duo shots. One with Kai and Eve and another with Alexa and Arlene.
Another MCM issue (well a recurring one really) was the queuing. There was just one long queue for all five of these guests and while I was told I could jump right to Kai I decided to wait in the queue with Matt and the others so I could see Freema and take pictures. Freema was exceptionally lovely and very chatty with everyone despite the queue, she actually caused quite a bottleneck since the way it was laid out she was the first one you came to. Unfortunately since I wasn’t meeting Eve we were swept up in the madness right past Kai to where Alexa and Arlene were which meant I had to make sure I met him later that weekend. Both the ladies were lovely (and also totally stunning) we had a nice chat, Matt got some pictures with them both (when Arlene stood up my jaw almost hit the floor at her pins in what can only be described as the shortest dress ever!) and they thanked us for our support of the show.
The photoshoots were as well organised as everything else with different people being told different things. We got there in the end and while the photographer was no Malcolm everything worked out OK in the end. That is until it came to collection when all copies were dumped on a tiny table for everyone and their dog to rifle through. The rest of the day was spent wandering around in the first of two new cosplays or the weekend – Tinkerbell! (Post will be up next)
It was a VERY long day so I was grateful when it was time to check into the hotel and we could settle down in the bar and relax. We got an extra boost when we were unexpectedly upgraded to a suite with a separate lounge complete with its own kitchenette and two humongous televisions. It was such a pity that we were only staying the one night I would have seriously enjoyed taking advantage of all the facilities for longer!
Day two was more relaxed and spent mostly wandering round in my favourite cosplay I’ve done so far Battlestar Galactica’s Starbuck!!! It is seriously so comfy and the only pain was that the tattoo started to peel a bit. My only target for the day was Kai Owen which proved more elusive than I expected since I couldn’t go into Memorabilia before 1pm (although realistically it was about 12 when they let people through!) I was also super excited to meet the cutest little Starbuck cosplayer too.
Mid afternoon I started to get tired and cranky. The thought of getting the sleeper train home to Aberdeen wasn’t pleasant nor was the fact that this was my last planned event of the year and potentially until May 2012. Having no idea when I’d see some of my friends again put me on a downer before I’d even left the Excel Centre but there was still time before my train for pizza and wine with a few of them which was a great end to the weekend even if it was bittersweet.
Overall it wasn’t as bad as I was expecting from what people were saying beforehand on Twitter but maybe that’s just because I’m quite laid back in general! The EXPO side of things was a bit cramped and crazy at points but the Memorabilia side was more spaced out and relaxed. I probably wouldn’t choose to go to an MCM event just because but I also wouldn’t not go if they got a great guest that I really wanted to meet.
) Amanda also works as a makeup artist and if you’re looking for something a bit different and special she’s the perfect pick for your big day.
