The Avengers' 50th Anniversary Celebration

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Parent Category: Expos and Conventions
Category: Previews
Published on Monday, 13 June 2011 18:43
Written by Bruce Alexander

A very special celebration take place this month, during the weekend of June 25 - 2Avengers6th, 2011,which honors the British television series The Avengers for their 50th anniversary. Held at The University of Chichester in West Sussex, England, this event celebrates one of the best shows to come from the UK during the 1960s.

What started out as an average cop show called Police Surgeon in 1960 developed into this much-acclaimed cult TV series that has stood the test of time. It's hard to believe it has been 50 years since this stylish and influential spy thriller got its start.

Although its two most popular stars, Patrick MacNee, who played John Steed, and Diana Rigg, who starred as the series signature agent Emma Peel, won't be there, many of its other important stars will be.

The two original Avenger girls, Julie Stevens, who played lounge singer Venus Smith, and Honor Blackman, will be attending. Though most Yanks know of Blackman as Pussy Galore from the James Bond film Goldfinger, she was first established in Britain as agent Cathy Gale, the first woman dressed in black leather who defended herself with fierce moves and a sexy slink.

Also on hand will be Linda Thorson, who, as Tara King, replaced Rigg, as well as veteran directors Brian Clemens and Leonard White, who are best known for such classic episodes as "A Touch of Brimstone" and "The Joker".

Stunt director Ray Austin -- who also produced a few of the episodes -- will also be on hand. 

Marcus Hearn, who just published The Avengers A Celebration: 50 Years of a Television Classic, will be signing and discussing the book and series as well.

A screening rooDianam will be showing rare Avengers clips, trailers and other related '60s spy shows along with an exhibit of artifacts such as comics books, scripts, original toys and games, designer clothes and film props. There will also be other panel discussions, autograph signings and in-depth live interviews.

On Friday there will be a concert of Laurie Johnson's music. He wrote and performed the Avengers theme from 1965 - 1969 and composed all the background music for the show.

A special '60s themed dance party will take place at the University on Saturday night, a planned re-creation of the Hellfire Club from one of the most popular episodes in which Diana Rigg is dressed in a very notably sexy leather S&M-esque costume. People are encouraged to dress up in the clothes of the "Swinging '60s."

This Avengers weekend will be held in the intimate setting of Bishop Otter Campus.

Registration to the event takes place in The Showroom foyer at the following times:

Once weekend pass holders have registered, there is no need to register again during the event. When you register, you will receive a program, campus map and pass for the weekend. The main stage events run from 9:30 am - 6 pm on Saturday and Sunday.

This is a once-in-a-lifetime event taking place -- it is not to be missed.

For more info about the event, visit: www.chi.ac.uk/theavengers

The Avengers 50th Anniversary Celebration
June 25 - 26, 2011

The University of Chichester
Bishop Otter Campus
Oaklands Park House
College Lane
Chichester
West Sussex PO19 6PE
England