The Dark Side Chats ep.54 Alan Flyng

HOW I CAME TO SIGN AUTOGRAPHS AND OTHER STRANGE HAPPENINGS

It was Derek Lyons, who had contacted me out of the blue, thanks to Facebook putting us back in touch after some 30 years, with the surprising revelation that I was sought after in the world of Star Wars conventions and autograph collectors.! He explained very patiently that my brief role in Return of the Jedi made me a bit of a rarity in 2009, in as much as the character had been listed on Wookiepedia as ‘Unidentified Imperial Officer - Executor’ and my true identity had not been established - a speaking part, however minor, who had never signed publicly - ever!!!

Derek had, in fact, previously put me in touch with a French collector and Convention organiser by the name of Aurelien Lukowski in Paris, who came over to London to meet me; get me to sign a few items and photographs he had prepared of me and then told me he had a fellow autograph collector and pre-order service provider in Belgium by the name of Mark Dermul of www.bountyhunter.be, who wanted to arrange a private signing session for me. It was all rather strange to me, but I said fine! In no time flat Mark was in touch and told me to expect two packages by special delivery - posters and books in one and photographs and action figure in the next. Pens would be provided and stickers on each item would inform me of colour pen to use, where to sign and what, if any, dedication to add. In the event, everything arrived with a further exhortation to make sure I was photographed signing items! Boy, what a palaver, I thought! But I need have had no worries - it all went off as planned!

My first signing through Mark Dermul's site, www.bountyhunter.be

Subsequently, it became obvious that if I were to continue and be active in signing for fans, I needed to emerge further and attend conventions as collectors came to know my name. Derek was a font of knowledge and very soon found the perfect venue for me to make my debut at - a small fan-organised convention in Bochum-Werne called Daedalus Con. Derek made the arrangements and before long we were nearly ready to go. I lacked one major asset, which is a major requirement of such gatherings - photos!!! I need not have worried - Derek had it firmly in hand and organised for me the procurement and payment for them also! And that is where we will go next!

DAEDALUS CON - MY FIRST FORAY INTO THE WORLD OF CONVENTIONS.

After having completed the private signing session for Mark Dermul, Derek Lyons informed me that he had received an invitation from a convention he had attended the previous year, to attend again and to suggest further guest(s) - me!

As I already mentioned, Derek had worked his magic with images of me and Mark Dermul had kindly agreed to me using the images he had previously supplied, too. Suddenly, I had a stock of photographs and I was ready for my first lesson from Derek in how to deal with the public!

We laughed our way through one heading after another until it was time to travel to Germany and meet our hosts at Dortmund airport, Markus Tchenschel and Ralph Pripanow. Thomas Riepergerste and his lovely wife Bianka would meet us at the venue. Immediately it became obvious they were as eager to please me as I them and so we settled down and drove into the suburb where our convention was to take place. The area seemed quite charming and our hotel proved to be perfect - a family-run affair with super-friendly owner and staff who remembered Derek, and a brilliant menu, cooked to order by the owner/chef!

The following morning, Ralph came to pick us up and drive us to the venue - a modern Community Hall, built as a rotunda. The very first thing I saw was an old Trabant outside, an old East German car of ingenious design - the Communist version of the 'Peoples' Car' - and an answer to the West German and much more famous 'Peoples' Car' - the Volkwagen! My first encounter with a Trabbie was in East Berlin, whilst filming 'Shining Through' with Michael Douglas, Melanie Griffiths and Liam Neeson in the late 90's and being taken to a secret location by an East German General, willing to sell me army boots at 50 pence a pair from a shed on an allotment, with windows covered by newspapers!!! That trip was eventful enough in itself, nevermind the smell of burning oil, petrol and Russian cigarettes! LOL.

Anyway, there it stood before us and before I left I was determined to get a picture of it.

Me beside the plastic 'Peoples'Car', the Trabant.

In the course of getting to meet everyone present, Derek introduced me to a truly awsome character by the name of Frank Klepke - Conan incarnate! :o) Frank attends conventions all over Europe and his immense good humour and booming voice make a lasting impression on all who meet him! :o) He's a super guy and his postings on Facebook inevitably always make me smile... :o)

Frank the Barbarian and Derek Lyons!

I had curiously been asked to attend the convention in my Henry VIII costume, which I had used in staging shows for the British Army, corporate shindigs and lookalike bookings. Not naturally being a shrinking violet, I agreed, so be prepared for some alarming costume combinations in the following shots! HAHAHA!

Henry VIII (me), Derek, Frank and a costumed visitor, winner of the costume competition.

A lovely lady Vulcan and Henry VIII

Der Klingolaus (German Klingon Santa!!!), Derek Lyons and Henry VIII !

There were talks, games, demonstrations and role-play performances and I was having a whale of a time. And then, I felt ill! I had a raging thirst and no matter how much I drank to try to assuage the thirst, I got worse!

Assuaging my thirst with an unlikely pack-shot of Coca Cola.

I had suddenly come down ( as it turned out when home in England and at the hospital Emergency Department) with Diabetes - a nuissance I am still getting used to!

We completed the convention with a signing session, at which I looked like I had stepped inside from a downpour! 

Sweating for England and signing for a great guy called Jens, who had driven all day to reach us!

I had the pleasure that night of meeting some of the members of the German Garrison of the 501st costuming organisation, when Derek arrived back from a dinner given in his honour, at which he was presented with an Honourary Membership.

Amongst some of the fans attending, I had the great pleasure of getting to meet some stalwarts of the German convention scene and truly some of the nicest people! Uschi Heyn, a biker-chick with loads of great one-liners. Uschi claims to speak little English, but she has a command of English that made me smile at her apparent innocence, as she came out with toe-curlingly funny expressions!!! And to cement her in my affections further, she was accompanied by the love of her life, 'Baby' - a vintage motor bike of some quality!

Me, Comedian Freddy Bee, Derek and Uschi

Me with 'Baby'

All in all, we had a great time and I was recovered enough before we left to have a Turkish Pizza (recommended) before flying home. Only Ralph had any problems dealing with the crisp thin pizza base...

My especial thanks go to Markus, Ralph, Thomas and Bianka, Inge and Klaus for looking after us so well! I look forward to returning later this year (November) and seeing everyone again!

Return to the Star Wars Fan Fun Day - Burnley F.C.. May 3, 2010.

When Derek Lyons, an old friend and fellow veteran of Star Wars, called me and first mentioned that we might both be invited to appear as guests at this event, my imagination momentarily went haywire, as I imagined some sort of Star Wars-themed Jeux sans Frontieres/Spiele ohne Grenzen/It's Knockout event!!! My discombobulation was calmed, however, during a call from Neil Livesey, the affable, well-organised and indefatigable originator of this event!

The excellent event poster.

The day before the event, I picked up Derek and Pam Rose to drive up to Lancashire. The drive was fun with lots of chatter and the trademark of any get-together of actors - laughter! On arrival at our hotel we were met by other guests and immediately proceeded, as actors do, to turn the hotel bar into a Green Room and the laughter grew. There assembled were Dave Prowse, Jeremy Bulloch and his wife, Brian Muir and his wife, Paul Blake and Gerald Home as well as us three. In  due course, our numbers swelled further and we were taken to dinner.

Dave Prowse, myself, Brian Muir, Jeremy Bulloch, Derek Lyons, Paul Blake, Gerald Home with Neil Livesey and         Pam Rose in front, on the floor.

  The following day we were collected together and taken to the venue - the Burnley F.C. Football Club within whose stadium the event was to be held. Neil and his family and helpers had decorated the venue fantastically and we were stationed in a long line in front of picture windows overlooking the football pitch.

Pam Rose and Derek Lyons at their tables with the Burnley F.C. pitch in view behind them.

As the day proceeded, we and the very large crowd of visitors were entertained and amused by the costume groups from the 99th Garrison and the Rebel Alliance. The kids present, many in costume, had a whale of a time, offering combat with their toy lightsabers to Jedi and Stormtrooper alike - in fact anyone! LOL!!! I was particularly amused by one youngster - maybe 3 or 4 years old, who was fascinated by a Stormtrooper who had placed himself to guard me. He resisted moving until the little lad went for his crutch!!! I grabbed my ancient camera and made a shaky mpeg. of their interaction...

A young costumed Jedi challenges a Stormtrooper's resolve to stand firm...

Fearless...

...and not alone! :o)

We were kept pretty busy all day and ended the day with a charity auction, to which we had all contributed, followed by a group photo with some of the costumers and a reluctant Neil!

The guest line-up with costumers from the 99th Garrison and Rebel Legion. The final list includes from left to right: Pam Rose, Brian Muir, myself, John Chapman, Ted Western, Derek Lyons, Dave Prowse, Neil Livesey - organiser, Jeremy Bulloch, Tim Dry and Gerald Home.

The event was supported by an extensive selection of stall-holders and exhibitors, much enjoyed by the visitors. I am very grateful to Neil, as are all the guests for his great efforts to entertain and look after us all! Furthermore, a huge vote of thanks to Neil, his wife and family, supporters and helpers and the assembled costumers for providing a great day out for all!

Star Wars Fan Dag 3, Copenhagen, Denmark

This event, arranged by Michael Nielsen and Per Valgreen, in Taastrup, Denmark, was one of the very best events I attended this last year! The attention to detail and care taken to ensure that Toby Philpott, Gerald Home and I had the most comfortable and enjoyable experience meeting the Danish fans, was outstanding!

The venue, just outside the centre of Copenhagen, ia a very modern and spacious community centre. Michael had asked me to bring a Henry VIII costume from my performance collection in order to lead a parade through the streets, prior to the start of the convention, which I did with relish! You can imagine the looks of mystified onlookers seeing Henry VIII striding out, ringing a bell and accompanied by perhaps 30 or more Star Wars costumers, including Darth Vader! Priceless! :o)




Henry VIII, accompanied by Darth Vader march through the centre of Taastrup!



Never one to be a shrinking violet, I went up to shoppers and surprised them by starting conversations they no doubt didn't understand at all, so I resorted to mime and vocal sound effects! It worked very well, as the next picture shows...



Sharing a laugh with some lovely shoppers!

Back at the community centre, Toby and Gerald had started signing for the visitors, and we arrived back with another large crowd in tow! We had an eventful session signing autographs and meeting some of the nicest and friendliest people you could hope to meet! :o)





Myself, Toby and Gerald (hidden) signing for visitors and costumers.

Michael Nielsen watches on in the centre.

I also had the joy of judging the childrens' fancy dress competition, where Michael and Per had ensured that each child received a present, whether chosen as a winner or not! I was reminded of when I briefly taught French in a Convent in the 70's - those little devilish faces trying to attract attention, making funny faces and displaying missing milk teeth!





Judging the childrens' fancy dress competition, watched by Per Valgreen, co-organiser of the event.

Later, we were asked to attend a Question and Answer session with the fans, which gave Gerald a platform to present a virtual lecture on his involvement in Return of the Jedi. The audience, Toby and I all learnt a lot from Gerald, but Toby and I restrained ourselves to answering the questions posed. LOL! We all agreed that we had been shown how a convention, albeit small, ought to be presented! My very best congratulations to Michael and Per for their wonderful organisational talents, so ably demonstrated, and my grateful thanks for the invitation!





Per Valgreen, Gerald Home, Michael Nielsen and me standing, with Toby Philpott kneeling, front. You can see a repro Viking longboat to the left, used to take visitors out into the fjord from the Viking Boat Museum in Roskilde.





Gerald Home, Toby Philpott and myself at the Q &A session.

The next day, most generously, Per, Michael and another friend Henrik Berndt took us to Roskilde to visit the royal tombs in the cathedral there and the Viking ship museum nearby in the fjord. This was a fascinating departure from the norm and we were all enthralled by what we were shown. Once again, other organisers please take note! :o)

Norwegian and reproduction Viking boats in the fjord. .

Inside the Viking ship museum .

 The beautiful and historic Cathedral in Roskilde

Truly, a most memorable and enjoyable event with new and very good friends!

More images are to be see at http://www.facebook.com/#!/album.php?aid=203820&id=33938443518&page=2



SciFi South Collectors' Film TV and Toy Collectors' Fair, Bournemouth

This event promised to be a great addition to the convention circuit and didn't disappoint on the day. It was well attended and the crowds were friendly and forthcoming with questions. The organisers were generally very helpful and Debbie Fear ran her socks off looking after all the guests for drinks and food all day. My special thanks to her! :o)

Jay and Debbie Fear and beautiful daughter

One of the very nice people I met up with - Jamie DuPont - top guy!

The only real fly in the ointment was the aircon in the Littledown Centre, which seemed drastically underpowered. Being a big lad (politely speaking, LOL), I was extremely uncomfortable most of the time. Unlike some of the big names, who were seated next to an open doorway to the outside, many of us were inside with no access to fresh air. Leaving the door open at the rear also allowed many to drift in for free, which seems to have been a real problem. Those who appreciated the open door most were the smokers, of which I am not one!

Me and Wendy Lowder

I was especially happy to meet up with another friend of some years (over 30!), Wendy Lowder, visiting from the Isle of Wight. Wendy is a remarkable lady indeed and has more experience in the business than even workaholic me!!! We sat and chatted at my table and Wendy made herself useful entertaining the visitors with her good humour and brilliant smile.

Wendy and myself contemplate signing a child

The event was full of families and the kids never disappointed us - they seldom do! I had a stock of images I had brought back from Denmark, courtesy of  my good friend, Michael Nielsen, and also a few small collector card type images, which I signed for all the kids hanging on the edge of the table during the day as presents. Truly they were brilliant! There were some who were so well behaved Wendy and I were beginning to believe they might have been possessed by aliens! LOL. We were even asked to sign polo shirts on the kids wearing them! Delightful - and their parents too! Maximum respect also to all the members of the Dorset Troopers, who worked the crowds without rest the entire day!

The Dorset Troopers.

ET - GO HOME!!! The Dorset Troopers show ET the door!

Darth Vader of the Dorset Troopers (Chris Bown) attracts a following!

A great day!

LFCC - London Film and Comic Con, July 2010.

I had a great time attending the London Film and Comic Con as a guest - not  least because I managed to put faces to so many Facebook friends, but also for the chance it gave me to rekindle friendships with fellow actors of decades gone by!

I was positioned by the organisers next to young Daniel Logan - a bundle of energy and exuberance and a dreadful fidget! :o) Next to him a dear friend I had not seen for twenty years - Stephanie English! Funny how we all drift apart, but on meeting again, seem to be able to pick up conversation and laughter as though it was yesterday we last met! Stephanie and I were uncontrollable in our laughter - we both have the same sense of the absurd, and there were plenty of absurd happenings in our lives to relate!

Stephanie English, myself and Dave Louis Oldbury.

Stephanie was unfortunately only booked the 17th July, but was very busy and sought after and her laughter rang out the whole day! Other friends I hadn't seen, also attending as guests included Tony Allen - a Wardrobe Supervisor in film and TV of note and a colleague and friend who also appeared as a Stormtrooper in The Empire Strikes Back. Pam Rose and Derek Lyons were visiting and found their ways to our tables and our joking drew attendees to us wondering who these idiots were! Brian and Lindsay Muir came by seeking autographs for a friend's Vader helmet sent from California and once again we ended up laughing!

I was also sat opposite Jeremy Bulloch, Dave Prowse, Julian Glover, Ken Colley and Kenny Baker. That guaranteed a very busy concourse! I was fascinated by the crowds attending and especially those who came in costume. I am always amazed by the ingenuity and resourcefulness displayed by the committed fans who grace such events with their creations!

I was absolutely delighted too to be presented with Honorary Membership of the 99th Garrison. I am a great admirer of the costume organisations formed to represent the costume legacy of the Star Wars films and to raise money and awareness of charities, mostly for children!!! Whenever I am so honored, I am humbled, as these lovely people give of their time freely, not only for such selfless work, but also because they want to speak to me, let alone honour me!

Presentation of my Honorary Membership to the 99th Garrison.

Friends from the Star Wars Madrid fan club sought me out too, as well as friends from Germany, Holland and Denmark! I had a great time indeed and when it came time on the second day to mount the podium with Dave Prowse, Ken Colley, Milton Johns and Michael Culver for a public Q & A with Darth Vader and the Imperial Officers, I was relaxed and enjoying myself. I didn't expect to be placed in the centre, but it was fun and the questions were, on the whole, mostly very interesting and sometimes challenging. The comedy highlight was at each point it came to Ken's turn to answer, the venue's tanoy sounded off, drowning him out! He took it in good humour and we all ended up laughing!

Darth Vader and the Imperial Officers: Dave Prowse, Milton Johns, myself, Michael Culver and Ken Colley.

So, a successful and highly enjoyable time was spent by all and my thanks go to Jason Joiner and his team, for their brilliant organisation and for the care shown us throughout!