So it finally happened.... I returned to my true home, the magical world of Harry Potter!!!
If you haven't been, WHAT THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN DOING? Get there now!! Stop reading this... go go GO!
Ok, so now you have at least booked your tickets lets talk Harry Potter!
I wont go into too finer detail as I don''t want to spoil the magic for any other wanna-be magicians and witches but I will tell you how amazing and enchanting it is!
The Studio Tour is incredible, it captures all of the magic of the films but in a way that makes it accessible to all - Wizard or Muggle. My amazing friend, who took me to the Studios was not a Harry Potter fan (not through my lack of trying) but a fan of movies and production design which was perfect, as the studios are full of original sets, models and masks and offers a unique insight the somewhat mysterious world of production design and cinema.
I was amazed to learn that CGI played a very small part in the films, and that instead a vast crew of designers, artists, builders and many others were employed to create a physical world rather than a virtual one and really the studios are more a celebration of those who made Harry's world rather than the actors.
The studios are clearly a labor of love, and created by a team of Potter enthusiasts. Part of the tour was guided by some extremely enthusiastic folks, however, I found myself completely distracted by the sets, props etc that I have no idea what they said/did! Sorry guys - but I am sure you were great! However, when you are in the Great Hall with Dumbledore stood ready to address an audience, its almost impossible to acknowledge anything else!
The tour is full of some fantastic surprises, and fantastic photo opportunities... and an opportunity to spend your months wages on a mimic wizarding cloak, wand and chocolate frog. Something I would normally be enraged by, but after you have been thrust through the awe-inspiring street, perved inside the dorm rooms of Harry and Ron, and knocked on the door of the Dursley's on Private Drive - it is hard to be mad about plastic wands that cost... **spoiler alert**... £25
As friend described my visit to the Studios, as like dealing with a hyperactive child on Ecstasy... and I don't think she was wrong!
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