Creation Entertainment's
London Star Trek Convention
January 9-11, 2004
London, England
photo © Gwen Faulkner

Report from London
by Gwen Faulkner

Karen and I met Andrew off the Bristol train at Paddington Station, which is just a few minutes walk from the Hilton Metropole, the convention Hotel. When we got there we went to register and found out that Robert Beltran wasn't going to be there, Tom Hardy (Shinzon in Nemesis) was replacing him, and someone with a rotten sense of humour told us that Robbie had cancelled at the last minute too, there were three very miserable looking faces........aaaaaargh. NOT TRUE, thank Kahless!!!

After that we went to queue for photo-ops with Robbie. He was late, so they had to send for him. There were cheers all round when he arrived. The Plan, apparently, was 30 seconds per picture, no chatting, just in and out, but it didn't quite work that way though and there was lots of fun all around. Then it was down to the basement of the building 3 floors below ground level for Robbie's panel. He was only a few minutes late on stage, and he talked about life during and after Voyager, answering questions on jokes and jokers on the set, Masters of the Universe, and Genevieve Bujold as the captain. He did a great demonstration of the 'Rocket Pack' incident and talked about directing. I wonder if he ever gets fed up with being asked the same questions?

We managed to see him again in the autograph room, where there weren't too many people, he was selling his CD and chatting with everyone, and giving more photo-ops. That was great, a very informal atmosphere, with a lot of laughter, and definitely fun.

Back down to the basement for the official autographs with Nana and Robbie, with Robbie's CD playing in the background, and for sale too. I think he sold quite a few that day.

In the evening Nana Visitor and Robbie did 'The Adam and Eve Diaries' ( at least I think that's what it was called). The performance was very good. Later, there was the Gold Weekend Cocktail Party. That was a chance to meet the stars. Nana and Robbie mingled and chatted, spending time at each table or just chatting with people wherever they were, like the dance floor or the bar, when they left, the volume on the disco was cranked up, and the partying began. The DJ was given a hard time, because he didn't have 'Startrekkin' which is traditionally played at British Star Trek/Sci-Fi convention parties, everyone looks forward to doing the actions, like being a klingon, or dead Jim, or shooting to kill.......you have to be there to appreciate it, but it's hilarious.

All in all, Andrew, Karen and I had a brilliant day. Robbie was very accommodating, as usual, and I just want to say a huge "Thank You!" to Robbie from the three of us, and wish him well in whatever he does in the future.

Robbie graciously poses for his British fans
Click on the photo for a larger image