MELKSHAM Assembly Hall is due to transform into a hub of Star Wars activity on ‘Star Wars Day’ – Saturday 4th May – with two special guests from the 1983 film Return of the Jedi, making an appearance.
The event will see Hugh Spight, an actor and puppeteer who worked on the Return of the Jedi and Danny D’arcy, who played an A-wing pilot and Stormtrooper in the film, attend the day for an onstage question and answer session, autographs and photos.
Hugh Spight spent six weeks at Elstree Studios filming with the Harrison Ford in Return of the Jedi. He played several roles in the film including a pig-like Gamorrean guard, who escorts Han Solo into captivity.
He said: “We were on Jabba the Hutt’s barge and in those scenes I was the one who had my hand on the shoulder of Harrison Ford. “We had to take him down to the dungeon.’
“It wasn’t hard work really, but in the costumes it’s very tricky to move because they’re so big. I nearly fell down the stairs.”
He also plays a Mon Calamari fish creature and an Elom monster. He made it on to the Star Wars set after he was spotted next door on the set of Muppet-creator Jim Henson’s movie The Dark Crystal. He has also appeared in Doctor Who.
At the event, there will also be stalls, displays, cosplayers, activities and a screening of one of the Star Wars films chosen by the audi
ence.
“With May 4th now widely recognised as Star Wars Day (“May the Force / Fourth Be With You”), we thought it only right that we celebrate the greatest film franchise in the galaxy here at Melksham Assembly Hall,” says deputy facilities manager Kevin Farrow. “So don’t get thrown to the Sarlacc; grab your blaster, straddle your speeder bike and head on down!”
Starting at 10am, tickets cost £5. For more information, visit the Melksham Assembly Hall website https://www.melkshamassembly.co.uk/events-1/star-wars-day-at-the-assembly-hall
