Labyrinth Event - National Film and Sci Fi Museum

4 hours ago
3 min read

2026 is the 40^th anniversary of Labyrinth. Wow – did I just say that out loud? I remember going to see this film 11 times in the cinema on its initial release. I loved it so much and over the last 40 years that love for Labyrinth has not diminished.

So, when I heard that the National Film and Sci-Fi Museum in Milton Keynes was having an event to celebrate this – I had to go along. In collaboration with MK Gallery, the museum launched this magnificent event and it included a screening of the film, a talk with Nigel Plaskitt – one of the puppeteers on the film and a signed photo keepsake along with an opportunity to have a photo of yourselves with Nigel and Ludo from the film as well as entry into the National Film and Sci-Fi Museum.

Nigel is fascinating to listen to. He has had an amazing career of working on some iconic films and TV shows. We started off with Pipkins and he is not only the voice but the puppeteer of Hartley Hare. As a child I was slightly afraid of Hartley and even today when I got to meet him, there is something about him that makes you stay on your best behaviour.

But of course, we wanted to hear about Labyrinth. Nigel worked on several puppets in Labyrinth and told us of how complicated to film the Dance Magic Dance scene was as there are so many puppets in the scene and they all need to be active all the time. Nigel said he met David Bowie (because I know you want to know this) and had a photo taken with him as his friend had asked for one and then said it was Nigel’s turn. Nigel said David was patient and friendly and allowed them both to take photos. But Nigel isn’t only about Labyrinth. He has had an extraordinary career. Harry Potter, Spitting Image, Muppets Christmas Carol, practically every key puppet moment in my lifetime.

But even if you have missed this event, there is good reason to visit the National Film and Sci-Fi Museum, especially if you are a bit geeky like me. There is something for everyone. Every time I turned a corner and saw another iconic film or TV show, I was beyond excited.

I levelled up my geek status:

Star Wars including the frozen Han Solo, (just before he says I know to Princess Leia). An iconic piece of cinema history.
Star Trek of every generation including Picard. There are outfits and phasers for you to want to beam me up.
Lord of The Rings swords. I am a huge LOTR fan and have signed photos of all the hobbits, golum and gimli. The shop at the museum sells signed photos so you may be lucky to pick up one or two of your favourite actors.
Outfits from Harry Potter including Hagrid’s coat.
A Game of Thrones chair where I secretly pretended that I was Cersi
And not forgetting Doctor Who including a weeping angel, Dalek K9 and a Cyberman. And there is a Tardis that has been signed by all the people you want. Just don’t blink!

For me this museum is geek heaven and well worth a visit. There are sections you can take a selfie so I do have photos of me in Bill and Ted’s phone box, a photo with a muppet band and also a huge Sully from Monsters Inc which made me look tiny. There is too much for me to mention here but of course seeing Ludo was a huge draw for me personally.

Labyrinth maybe 40 but its still being discovered by new generations. I love it for so many reasons – the humour is still funny today, after all who wants to dip their toe into the bog of eternal stench? I love the goblins and their individual personalities, I love the helping hands (she chose down? - too late now!), I love the Labyrinth itself and how Sarah is trying to work out the maze that feels like a maze of life. My favourite character is the junk lady but I have a soft spot for Hoggle. And of course, David Bowie as the Goblin King who is all powerful and magical is my favourite role of his out of all his films. So long may the Goblin King rule.

Today was a day I will remember for a very long time. It’s a place to make memories. Don’t miss the National Film and Sci-Fi Museum’s next event!

You can book tickets to visit the National Film and Sci-Fi Museum here.

Many thanks to the National Film and Sci-Fi Museum for their generosity.