Exhibition review: Star Wars Identities at The 02 in Greenwich

In light of the fact that the Star Wars franchise has had a new lease of life with the recent success of Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015), Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, Star Wars: The Last Jedi (due out December 15, 2017) and Star Wars: Hans Solo Anthology (due May 25, 2018), I thought I had better check out the Star Wars: Identity exhibition at London’s 02 Arena to remind myself how it all began.

Darth Vader

The first thing that surprised me was that the exhibition was very much an interactive experience. I was greeted by a member of staff who took me through the process of the clip-on earphones and the receptors that you hang around your neck.

The interactive experience

You also have a wrist band that you can touch the many screens with to hear various audio messages and even help you to create your own Star Wars character that you can use throughout the different sections of the exhibition.

Just one of the many costume exhibits.

There is a fantastic array of various Star Wars costumes from the original Boba Fett battle worn ‘cool’ helmet and full outfit to Anakin Skywalker’s cape and beaten up space bike.

You will also find an impressive collection of assorted spaceships (Empire and Rebel) in a huge glass display cabinet, lit up like in a permanent warp speed state.

Fleet of battleships

There are also the Jim Henson creature workshop creature models and puppets that were used in the various movies. Prior to the overuse of some unnecessary CGI.

Creature feature

On a personal note and having been an illustrator in a former life. I was really interested in the many original drawings and paintings of the concept art, showing some of the well-known Star Wars characters in early drafts and design stages. They also have original storyboards from 1977 and early 1980s.

Original concept art.

This exhibition is a must for every Star Wars or sci-fi movie fan. Situated above the Brooklyn Bowl.

"Have a good time you will!"

STAR WARS Identities: Exhibition is on, Now until September 3, 2017.