An Irishman, Scotsman and a Czech Walk into a Bar....

A long time ago (January) in a Galaxy far, far away (Heathrow) I and a select group of rebels attended a conference of high culture and discussed the future of life, the Universe and everything...yeah right! Gateway to Sanctuary rocked muchly and I've yet to do it justice in full on this 'ere piece of the web.  Consider that put to rights...since the Force demanded it.

So, I pretty much covered all things Robin Dunne (and some of Dunne's bum even) which can be caught up with here But, apparently, Robin Dunne wasn't the only guest, though my pages of notes dedicated to the chap would suggest otherwise, what can I say...the guy's a charmer.

David Nykl was in fact partaking in a convention in Ireland on the Saturday and apparently he and Paul had a conversation which went something like:

Paul "What are you doing this weekend?"
David "I'm at a convention in Ireland"
Paul "I'm doing a convention in London"
David "You should come over to Ireland for one of the days"
Paul "I'm at a Cooney con, and when you're at a Cooney con...you stay at a Conney con, so get you butt over here"

And that is how we ended up with an extra guest.

David seemed to be having a jolly good time indeed and was hilarious.  He's also been a busy fella since the end of Stargate Atlantis, talking about roles in Fringe and Human Target as well as a version of Mortal Kombat (which I believe is now airing online) He plays Johnny Cage's agent....which led to a wave of chuckles int he audience...and apparently he get's his "ass kicked".

Multi talented David did a brief tap dance for us and made fun of the way Carson was killed off in season 3 "exploding tumours....really Paul" and I think many of us would agree it wasn't Atlantis' finest plot bunny.

 Not looking too unlike Stan Laurel in this pic

We talked about Zelenka's use of Czech when annoyed at McKay and how in Czechoslovakia it's dubbed over, even though it's in the same language...okay then.

I'll let you try to decipher what he was saying here...and no points for the last word.....

Here David enlightens us to some of the problems with costumes

One of the strangest auditions David had to do was playing a one sided poker game which went something like....places card, long pause, picks up card, long pause, makes bet, long pause...really Hollywood? not sure whether he got the part or not.

David also does quite the good impression of Jason Mamoa, which...unsurprisingly...mainly involves grunting.

I chatted to David at the autographs about the first time I had met him, which was at Wolf Pegasus 2, and what a great time he had been having checking out the Justice League with Chuck Campbell.  David was also very sociable coming to the parties and hanging out at (or onto...it was difficult to tell) the bar.

And if Robin is the charmer and David is the joker, then Paul McGillion is the absolute sweetheart.  Every time I meet the fella, and to be honest he is fast becoming a permanant fixture to the Wolf event, I come away with a warm and fuzzy feeling inside, which is far to schmaltzy for this Brit but then you really have to go with the flow at a convention.

So, what did he have to say for himself....He actually didn't arrive until the Saturday, literally walking off the plane and rocking up to the event.  He had got a part in a pilot about Alcatraz which JJ Abrams is involved with (obviously remembering Paul's talent from his 15 second part in Star Trek then).  Unfortunately he couldn't say much about it, but he had high hopes for it to be picked up and anything with JJ attached these days is well worth looking into I say.

Paul either doing his Sean Connery or, more likely Joe Flannigan impression

Still a bit bleary eyed from catching a red eye just to be with us fans, Paul mentioned how he loves coming to this particular con because it's a little like visiting a large extended family, pointing out that many faces were the same (including the rather dubious lot in the front row) and he brought up to the front a brother and sister who's whole family were from Germany.  As the lad towered above Paul he mentioned that when he first met the youngsters his height barely reached his chest.  Dedicated us Sci-Fi fans and best to start the rug rats off early or else they may just get into sports of something...or even worse....reality TV *shudders*

For many years poor Paul has been the butt of many jokes from his fellow cast mates due to him being the only single fella left, Kavan Smith in particular teasing the guy with much mirth about his single status and possible reasons as to the cause.  This time however Paul was proudly showing off his wedding ring...much like the Royal wedding I'm guessing my invite was lost in the post...and very smitten he appears to be too.  He mentioned the honeymoon was spent in Hawaii where they took a tour of the islands by helicopter the pilot apparently asking if the pair were afraid of heights before carrying out some rather acrobatic flying and leaving the new bride and groom with white knuckles...McGillion not so much with the action hero it would appear.

One of his latest project is playing a Witch Slayer in a Sci-Fi version of Hansel and Gretel with Shannon Dorherty.....yeah....and from his following description of one of the scenes he was involved with it certainly sounds like the usual 'high quality' entertainment we have come to expect from the Sy Fy channel.



Since the introduction of the pet turtles for Carson, poor Paul has been inundated with every type of turtle product you can think of including cuddly ones, chocolate ones and even a tea cozy...and after this con he went home with an inflatable beachy one, signed by the gutter crowd.

He would have liked to seen more of the Atlantis team behind the scenes, much like the episode Sunday...but with a little less exploding tumours I'd imagine.... and commented that Sheppard would be talking to the mirror ala DeNiro in Taxi "You talkin' to me?" and gelling his hair and that Mckay would be knitting.

He talked about how the series panned out for him

Did a bit of audience participation with a scene from the very first episode, mate Tina starring as Dr Weir

Chatted about how it's never a good idea to go out to lunch with Jason Mamoa

Later in the day it was autograph time and the atmosphere was very relaxed and unrushed since it was such a small con.  I thanked Paul for coming over, as he had been working and jumped straight on a plane just to see us and he gave me a huge hug and some very kind words.  As it had been Paul's birthday a little while before a cake had been organized and the gutter gang rocked up during Paul's final photo shoot.  We even sang a song (I should've had the foresight to get someone to record it) but basically the gang crowded round Paul and sang "Thiiiiiis iiiiiis your birthday song, it is not very long..." cut off the singing abruptly and walked off in different directions, much to all the guests amusement. Then there was a group photo with the cake (we opted to not push Paul's face in the confection at the last second, as had been suggested) and then there was eating of cake...nom, nom,nom.

Now the parties at conventions differ greatly depending on which organiser you go with, but the Wolf con parties are legendary and this event was no exception.  We has previously organised that the Saturday night party was to be themed as a beachy event as the weather earlier in the month had been absolutely shocking and some light relief was definitely needed.  So there were lifeguards, beach bums and surfer dudes a plenty, with various inflatables, mini drinks umbrellas and a limbo thingy which quickly turned into a volleyball net.  What really made my night was when Paul arrived and joined our 'team' for some indoor beach volleyball kookiness...I mean where really can you not only play a bit of beach volley ball inside in January but have an actor join in the fun too.

On Sunday night, many folk had already left the con and us hardcore lot ventured over to the nearby pub (which had also been a regular feature of the con)...inviting the guests along.  An indication to the utter niceness of  these chaps they came along and I managed to get a seat opposite the three of them.  They were facing the TV and watching/ making fun of Dancing on Ice, if I recall, but I managed to chat away with Paul, Robin and David while I enjoy my scampi and chips.

Some pics from the auction...the fellas making sure they keep the vocal chord lubricated

 I fear there has been some kind of gutter remark which Robin has decided was my fault *whistles innocently*

My Photo shoots and Autographs

Not only did I have to 'endure' mutiple pictures with Robin due to the flash on the lens of me glasses but my 'friend' Wend shouted "get your hands off his bum" making me turn beetroot red as Robin reacted as if I'd pinched his bum (if I had known it was an option....)

Robin had also pretended to fall asleep while giving me a hug, leading to the highly chucklesome moment of him...sliding to the floor.

 Then we eventually got it right.

 I didn't have the funds for individual shots but I did splurge on a group pic...getting a bear hug from Robin

This was the gutter crowds prize after winning the TV theme tune quiz (I laughed in the face of the quiz and we had quite the group bonding session belting out the there from Fraggle Rock)...the poor guy in the centre is organiser and 'chief' Brian Cooney.

L-R Sam, Vicky Random Scot, Tina, Random Czech, Wend, Random Irishman, Christina, Angie and your truly

And how could I not mention the epic toilets of the hotel...yes I can see your excitement at the prospect is barely containable, but it's not everyday you have a piddle with James Dean....

Or Elvis

 Or Errol Flynn

And for the boys (yes, I did sneek in just to take photos)

Audrey Hepburn

Veronica Lake (I think)

And of course Marilyn Monroe

Gateway to Sanctuary Innit!

Yeah, it's been too long yet again, especially since I promised an entry about my shenanigans in Londontown a few weeks ago....bad me.

The hardest thing I find about these Convention reports is the darned first line, sometimes there's so much to convey one doesn't really know where to start.  This year I wasn't even sure I'd be able to make it to a con, money is always an issue and illness has also been a factor over the last 12 months.  Still I kept an eye on my favourite organisers of the intimate, friendly an ultimately most value for money...Wolf.  Fortunately soon an event was announced and with three fellas as guests who made the trip 100% worth while.

But enough of my prattle...on with the event......Wolf's Gateway to Sanctuary

Due to some unforeseen circumstances Robin was on his own for the first half of the con...poor fella may have been a little 'deer in the headlights' in a room containing over 40 slightly excited and sugar filled women (plus a couple of token blokes) but the incredibly laid back atmosphere of the con made for a very fun filled opening night and weekend.  Due to Robin being on his tod he took his time going round all the tables on the meet and greet and while my little group waited ever so patiently (hehe, yeah right) we munched on a little too much sugary food stuffs and amused ourselves with a project of recreating scenes for the Stargate verse...all inspired by a lone mini mars bar...by the time we had finished we had jelly baby versions of half the cast a Goa'uld mothership, Stargate with DHD and Robin's name spelt out in the the toffee sweets off of Quality street no one ever eats.  To his credit Robin gave us kudos for being the most creative table he'd been to that evening.

The was much chat about the latest series of Sanctuary and also much mickey taking of Robin's Bollywood dancing and when questioned as to the possibility of a musical episode one lass at the table made us all chuckle with her inability to keep a poker face as Robin talked singing, she also followed this with a blunt 'I never seen Sanctuary' when Robin asked the table about their favourite or least favourite episodes...prompting a mocked 'spit the dummy and storm off' from Robin.

Robin sat with us for much longer than at a usual con and when organiser Brian did try to move the chap on we growled at him to leave as we were having quite a deep conversation about SGU and it's failures at the time...Brian backed away from the rabid fangirls.  Soon though it was time for the party so Robin's release was negotiated and we instead rocked the night away.

Robin Dunne Guest talk

Due to the more intimate nature of the con, this was a lot less a guest talk and much more a amusing and fun filled conversation amongst a group of mates who've been separated a little too long.  To convey to tone of the entire weekend I refer you to exhibit A of when Robin was asked about what it's like working on Sanctuary



Apparently Robin is quite the prankster on set and it's probably not a good idea to ever give the fella a jar of peanut butter when in the vicinity of toilets...just saying.  As for what he did to poor Damian Kindler, well if Robin wasn't using his excess energy in acting I'm thinking a career in 'evil genius' awaits.



As mentioned the tone of the convention was established very early on and my con buddies and I did nothing to draw things back to a more PG level of entertainment turning the most innocuous of words into full blown innuendo bingo (Frankie Howerd had nothin' on the 7 of us) and Robin had no problem picking us lot out as the gutter row, which lead to much banter.

'Not in that way'

Robin describes his interview technique & life on set



There was even, on occasion, some actual questions to Robin about Sanctuary and what's coming up.  In traditional actor keeping it schtum style he would only mention that there's an episode called 'Normandy' which was great to make (and quite self explanatory in story) and one episode which is seen from Will's point of view...yes they actually let Robin loose with a camera on set...wondering if any of the outtakes will make it on the DVD extras.

Robin maintains a high sense of professionalism when representing team Sanctuary abroad and in no way becomes a 7 year old by making fart noises in a lift filled with Japanese business types.

How Japanese people stand in a lift followed by Robin making fart noises

Okay maybe his does, but he most definitely does not become so bored in meetings that he moves all the furniture of an office into different positions thus thoroughly confusing the rep sent in to retrieve him to said meeting.  Oh dear, Oh dear, Robin...you little scamp you.

Unbeknownst to me at the last convention I was at with Robin, he is actually quite the multi talented type...not in that way, sheesh...gutter! and a few years back he was involved in writing a series of family movies, the Roxy Hunter series.  I'd managed to acquire them to watchfangirl.

As with any convention conversation between attendees veers between several different shows and actors and while Tina and I were mid conversation about one of our other favs, Murdoch Mysteries, Brain mentioned that Robin had in fact turned down the title role.  Obviously this needed further investigation so I immediately questioned Robin on it.  He was indeed offered the role of Murdoch and it was at a time when Sanctuary was just an experiment.  I guessing it was one of those times as an actor that the final decision could have gone terribly wrong.  I think I'd now struggle to see Robin as Murdoch, only because I'm a.) so used to Robin as Will and b.) so captivated by the chocolately goodness of Yannick Bisson's eyes.  If you've never seen it...away with you now, and seek out the CSI Toronto off of the olden days.

Robin had us in stitches as he likened acting with life as a small child 'There's your socks, they go on your feet, there's tape on the floor to show you where to walk, eat now, you haven't learned your lines...don't worry here they are on a little piece of paper for the scene,' and my personal favourite was his ultra heighten glee, complete with little squeal and patronising clap, from a director as Robin gets a line right....tough job my arse! ;-)

Robin commented of the supporting cast of Sanctuary and how those characters and actors really help to make the show what it is.  Personally part of the reason I love this series is the use of original material and established or well known characters from fiction/history and then the new mythology which is created.  It really works well and is a refreshing series in amongst the hash of reality shows and crime dramas.  It was when Robin was talking about Jonathon Young and his portrayal of Tesla, the banter and relationship with Magnus in the series, that friend Angie's bottle of coke decided to take the crown of the gutter filled weekender.  With an almighty 'pop' the lid flew off prompting a quick 'I never get that kind of reaction when I'm talking about Will' from Robin.  Naturally us lot in the front row were in bits for the next several minutes.  Poor Angie turned a rather attractive shade of ruby red with a hint of magenta...not sure if she ever actually managed to complete the drinking process.

Now, one thing which is usually a big 'no,no' at conventions is the mention of fan fiction to the guests directly.  Fan Fiction, by definition, is considered just for the fans and when some rather more excitable fans do bring up this side of the fandom it always leads to a rather awkward few moments...especially when the slash variety has to be explained. (anyone not in the knowledge of fan fiction or slash can find out more here but be warned once in the know brain bleach may be needed).  So imagine our surprise when young Robin did just that, he seem truly fascinated be the concept, so much so that a Sanctuary story was found for him to read and ....well....led to this following situation.....

Just in case you missed it ;-)

And to make matters rather embarrassing for me, I was asked to read through the story to just check is wasn't too OTT or at least legible before it got to Robin.  He read several little snippets, causing a mixture of guffawing and cringing amongst the audience, and I whispered to Angie something along the lines of 'wait till he gets to page six', of course I thought I'd whispered but hawk eared Robin picked up on our little conversation and asked us what we were giggling about.  He started to flick onward to page 6 but then stopped, looked puzzled and asked me to be honest, that we were among friends and that had I written the story.  I conveyed my most serious 'no' to which Robin merely pointed out that he had seen Lie To Me! cheeky bugger.

Jackanory Robin Dunne style

So here I shall leave proceedings for now...mainly just because...well...how does one follow Robin in his kegs reading and acting out fan fiction!