TricksyHobbit

Oh yes!!! He (Hugo Weaving)isnt a usual face on the convention circuit and I bet he has a LOT to say about his role in LOTR. (Mr Smith) I know in my guest suggestions I've included many of "the usual suspects", because I have met them at events in the past and know they are excellent entertainers who will make the weekend fun. But I think RC UK needs to have an unusual guest who we don't normally get to see.... someone to pull the crowds in and who will make it the success it needs and deserves to be....because lets face it.... the last LOTR film was released 3 years ago so the major hype that pulled the millions into the films (and the cons that followed)has long since passed for all but us "Ringers" and those of us who have a passion for Tolkien's literature. If anyone regularly goes to SM events, they will already have met Craig Parker, Mark Ferguson, Andy Serkis, Billy Boyd, Sean Astin, Elijah Wood, David Wenham, Miranda Otto, John Rhys Davies, Shane Rangi, Sala Baker, Royd Tolkien, Kieran Shah and a whole host of the "usual suspects" who are all wonderful, patient, warm and friendly people (mostly ) - so for the SM side of things... we've probably already got all of their autographs and unless people have a particular like for one of these actors, there isnt a big pull to go to the show. Obviously with Dirk being involved and bringing a "Ring Con" style of things to the event too, there will be a lot more on offer than just autographs!! But I do wonder how many people will look at the line up of guests and say " well I've met them all before... what's the point in spending money to see them again". I'd better stop rambling before this turns into an epic.... but I guess what I'm trying to say is that I think it would be worth the extra effort to secure one or two unusual guests who we don't often see at cons/autograph events. Eg Hugo Weaving, or maybe Sean Bean, Ian Holme, Christopher Lee, Ian McKellan or at least bring the actors who have films currently out so they are in the public eye and have an active following. It might be the making of the event, and I for one want it to be a huge success! Rosie I agree with you Rosie but the trouble with going for what is a better word very big guest means there might not be enough money for them to get some of the meduim guests. Meaning they will be lots of people just waiting in queues for auto's of the big guest and that guest might spend most of they time doing signs just so that the event can get some money back. I think some people's hopes are too high who think Orlando Bloom will do a event like this it's just so not going to happen. I wasn'tthinking of someone "big" necessarily, love, just someone unusual. Like when Gine Acevado from Weta workshops came over - the things he told us about the prosthetics and make up used in LOTR was fascinating - especially when he spent a few hours doing an "orc makeover" for 3 lucky people. And boy could that guy sing too!!!! Ok... how about "FIGWIT" - he isnt an "A list" actor but he IS someone different and incredibly well known. Or how about Mana? I know we've met him twice already, but he's cute enough to pull the fan-girllies in and has a lot to say about the stunt work he did for the films. Just a few ideas to throw into the melting pot really...... Rosie x

Oh yes!!! He (Hugo Weaving)isnt a usual face on the convention circuit and I bet he has a LOT to say about his role in LOTR. (Mr Smith) I know in my guest suggestions I've included many of "the usual suspects", because I have met them at events in the past and know they are excellent entertainers who will make the weekend fun. But I think RC UK needs to have an unusual guest who we don't normally get to see.... someone to pull the crowds in and who will make it the success it needs and deserves to be....because lets face it.... the last LOTR film was released 3 years ago so the major hype that pulled the millions into the films (and the cons that followed)has long since passed for all but us "Ringers" and those of us who have a passion for Tolkien's literature. If anyone regularly goes to SM events, they will already have met Craig Parker, Mark Ferguson, Andy Serkis, Billy Boyd, Sean Astin, Elijah Wood, David Wenham, Miranda Otto, John Rhys Davies, Shane Rangi, Sala Baker, Royd Tolkien, Kieran Shah and a whole host of the "usual suspects" who are all wonderful, patient, warm and friendly people (mostly ) - so for the SM side of things... we've probably already got all of their autographs and unless people have a particular like for one of these actors, there isnt a big pull to go to the show. Obviously with Dirk being involved and bringing a "Ring Con" style of things to the event too, there will be a lot more on offer than just autographs!! But I do wonder how many people will look at the line up of guests and say " well I've met them all before... what's the point in spending money to see them again". I'd better stop rambling before this turns into an epic.... but I guess what I'm trying to say is that I think it would be worth the extra effort to secure one or two unusual guests who we don't often see at cons/autograph events. Eg Hugo Weaving, or maybe Sean Bean, Ian Holme, Christopher Lee, Ian McKellan or at least bring the actors who have films currently out so they are in the public eye and have an active following. It might be the making of the event, and I for one want it to be a huge success! Rosie

Did someone mention spanking???? Where's mine then ? As one of your "Hot Brit Chicks" Marc... I think you should consider it a duty On a slightly more sensible note (yes I'm putting my mother/wife head on now ), there is a difference between the British and Yank sense of humour.... and then there's Marc's sense of humour so perhaps not everyone will understand it at times. (I seem to remember there is a huge thread on these boards where we were trying to teach Marc the finer points of the English language and the US:Brit equivalents.) Having met Marc for the first time a few weeks ago at another show, I know he would never intentionally offend us.. but he does have a very cheeky/naughty sense of humour. If he is going to MC at another show UK, then I guess we're going to have to get used to it!! I guess we'll just have to sit tight and have a wonderful Christmas and New Year- by Marc's orders!! Maybe the New Year will bring us good news. But until then... why don't we use the ideas threads to give Jason and Dirk all the ideas we can, for the RC UK show so they have plenty to talk about and do to give us the show we want? R XXX

Lets hope that the saying "no news is good news" then!!!! Having also been on the flip side; being part of the organisation team for a couple of large horticultural events in the South West, we used to wait until things were in place before we made announcements. So fingers crossed there is a lot of hard work going on, out of the public eye, and one of these days SM and another show will announce to us their amazing show for the UK. Hmmm.... I'm starting to sound like Pollyanna aren't I?!! In fact, it's probably time I put this old soap box away too....I just think it is sad to see lots of negative posts when we don't actually have any good or bad news yet to discuss. R xx

If you want to.... so long as we catch those Orcs and another show UK goes ahead next year!!! R xx

So sad I missed GMex2 But this is a lovely idea Rosie

I'm very sad to read the comments from Marc and Dirk....but never say never... I will still keep my fingers crossed that Ring Con UK will still go ahead - even if the date has to be postponed until later in 2007. Having been to SM events, and "The other official LOTR Event" in the UK, and most recently, to Ring Con in Germany, I would say that bringing a another show style event to the UK is exactly what we need to maintain enthusiasm for The Lord of the Rings - and I dont just mean the films!! Our enthusiasm for Tolkien's work has been fired up by Peter Jackson's wonderful films...but there is so much more to it than films and actors .. and that is why Ring Con has been billed by many people as the best LOTR event in the world. At Ring Con, you can discuss the finer points of Tolkien's literature with the Tolkien society, if you are into the books in a big way, or you can have a go at making chainmail, if that is your thing. If you are used to SM events where you can meet the actors, get autographs/photographs, listen to a couple of talks and buy Collectables, then a "Ring Con" style event will be a real eye-opener!!!! Just imagine spending a weekend in Middle Earth where the majority of people you pass are in fabulous costume, where the market is all dressed up hobbit-style, and where you can try your hand with a sword.......that's what Ring Con will bring to us. I sincerely hope that a joint venture between SM and Ring Con WILL happen in 2007 and I for one will do anything I can to help... even if it is only spreading the word and drumming up enthusiasm Some of you may recognise my name from "the other UK event", so you know that when I offer my support, I do it with my hand on my heart. Maybe if we all show how enthusiastic we are for this event to happen, it will help things move along. What say you?? Jason and Dirk.... you have my support 100% !!! Let's Hunt Orc Rosie x

Speaking as an "old" fan of The Lord of the Rings - and I mean the books as well as the films!!! I think we need to remember that another show UK is set to be a convention - not just a signing event. I am hoping it will be run in a similar fashion to the German Ring Con where there are lots of workshops and other ways to really get involved with the guests. Obviously there are people I would like to meet for personal reasons but I am equally interested in doing workshops eg. costuming, artwork, jewellery, acting/directing workshops, learning to sword-fight etc. So here's my requests: Andy Serkis - he has so much to say about his role as Gollum and how Gollum was created. Shane Rangi/Mana Hira Davies/Jed BrophyLawrence Makoare - a great bunch of actor/stuntmen! Royd Tolkien - who could leave out the author's great grandson!! Sir Ian Holme - we dont see this wonderful gentleman on the con circuit - but he also played Bilbo in the BBC Radio production of The Hobbit - and that is what introduced me to Middle Earth a very long time ago!!! People from WETA Workshop - these guys can show us so much "behind the scenes" stuff!!!!! Sir Ian McKellen Christopher Lee Craig Parker/Mark Ferguson - my daughter adores "Uncle Craig" and lets face it - a con wouldnt be a con without these guys!!! I'll be keeping my fingers crossed that some of these guys will be there, but I know the event will be fantastic - both Ring Con (another show) and Showmasters are very experienced at organising big events so I'm confident this new event will be truly stunning!!! Rosie x

Hello Marc, Just completing the hello's from your trio of "Hot Brit Chicks" It was great to finally meet you - there's only so much that can be said and done in emails... it's much better in person!! Had a great time in Fulda, and can't wait to see you again in April. Now we really must get some pics next time Love Rosie x