STAR TREK: THE EXHIBITION
Where tomorrow is yesterday
OPENING DATE OPEN NOW! Venue The golden Mile, Blackpool
Ticket Info www.startrekblackpool.com
Blackpool famously played host to two Doctor Who exhibitions – one in the ’70s and ’80s, and another in the 2000s. Some Who fans may see it as an affront to nature that the exact same space now plays host to a Star Trek exhibition – but we’re pleased the tradition of SF attractions in the town continues.
Tying in with the 50th anniversary of Trek, it features artefacts from throughout the franchise. There’s not a huge amount from the original series, simply because so little of it survives – but it does, wonderfully, include a Tribble. There’s a huge array of costumes, taking in Worf’s naval uniform from Generations, one of Spock’s headbands from The Voyage Home, and a brilliant curio – an unused costume made for the abandoned Phase II series of the late ’70s. The best-assembled part of the exhibition brings together a selection of props which have been particularly prescient and/or influential on real-life technology – most strikingly, Next Gen-era props that look almost exactly like a modern laptop and USB stick. This is immediately followed by a recreation of the original series bridge set, where you can (and inevitably will) sit and have your picture taken in Kirk’s chair. It wasn’t quite complete when we visited, but when finished it’ll include interactive elements – you can download an app which, excitingly, will enable you to stand on a recreation of the transporter while a friend videos you being beamed up.
The inventiveness of the design work on Trek down the years means it easily supports this kind of exhibition, which will take you about an hour to get round. Star Wars next, Blackpool?
From 2 September Blackpool will have a new Star Trek light feature on the Golden Mile, featuring various captains.