(Continued from part one). My enjoyment of series 6 was greatly enhanced by
the time I was lucky enough to spend with these two fine gentleman, as well as
with the crew and the few people I’d got to know at all well, like Nick Badham.
There was a wrap party at the end of filming with a staggering amount of booze
on offer, while we were all treated to a highly amusing film made on the set
featuring the crew, cast and some contestants. I remember that my majestic
tones were overdubbed by one of the guys in wardrobe to make me sound like some
colossal lisping pervert, so a great time was had by all.
I was woken at home the next day with a
hangover that felt as if underground nuclear testing was taking place in my
skull, to learn the sorrowful news that my father had died just a few hours
before, but I know that dad was proud of me for being a part of such a famous
and successful production, and perhaps even more pleased and proud had he known
of the eye-watering amount of alcohol I’d somehow managed to surround the night
before. I have nothing but the very happiest memories
of my time on The Crystal Maze. I was
elated to audition for this programme and delirious with joy when I was
accepted. I’m not usually one to tempt Fate, but I told anyone and everyone who
would listen at the time that I was going to appear on this iconic programme,
broadcasting the good news to the Four Winds, not in the least bit worried that
my part might be edited out at the last moment.
I was excited to depart for the distant set
each morning and I was awestruck to arrive at the airfield, with its haunted
hangar and the enthralling production homed within its walls. All the
contestants I encountered were ecstatic to be part of the programme, while I
got the impression that all the crew equally felt that they were part of something
special as well. I was in awe of the vast, intricate and imposing sets, while
the act of getting ‘robed up’ as Lance was a heady sensation, knowing that I
was about to become a real, living part of a programme that had captured the
imagination of the world. It was just as exciting the following year to appear
as the Aztec High Priest, to meet and work with Marino and Sam, then to renew
my acquaintance with David, Ed and the rest of the crew.
I have a large extended family, with many
younger cousins, nephews, nieces and the like, who were all thunderstruck to
learn that I was going to appear on The
Crystal Maze. My neighbours were excited, as were my other friends and
family, while I don’t mind admitting that I was delirious with joy to see my gauntleted
hand cradling a crystal in the opening sequences. I’m the only person, as far
as I’m aware, to have had two separate speaking parts as two different
characters on this fantastic show, but even if this hadn’t been the case and
I’d just had one, fleeting appearance, I’m sure I’d be just as contented to
have once been a part of something truly lasting and extraordinary.
With the recent revival of The Crystal Maze, I am often asked if I’m going to reprise my part
as Lance or else as the Aztec High Priest. Well, to paraphrase Norma Desmond in
Sunset Boulevard, I’m always ready
for a close up, but failing that happy eventuality, I continue to bask
contentedly in the warm glow of my former thespian triumphs. It would be very
poor form to hog the limelight, as I also had a small part as The Barker in the
pilot episode of The Magic Carnival,
which was planned as the successor to The
Crystal Maze, but my photographs of my time on that particular set were
lost in the fire that destroyed my home last year. A small part of me sometimes
thinks that it would be great to appear once again in The Crystal Maze, but what will be, will be, and I wish nothing but
happiness and great good fortune to all those involved in the programme’s
latest incarnation.
In conclusion, I’m not sure that I can add a
lot more to this account of my part in the story of The Crystal Maze. When I was invited to compose this piece a few
days ago, I glanced at the Wikipedia page for The Crystal Maze, something I’d not done in years, and I was mildly
surprised to see no mention of either Lance or else the Aztec High Priest. I’m
not remotely bothered by this, not least because so many other people played
more lasting and important parts than mine in this production, but I know from
long personal experience how many people the world over are fascinated with the
historical details of every aspect of this wonderful show. I hope that in
writing this brief essay and in supplying some photos, that I’ll have satisfied
the curiosity of anyone who’d ever wondered about these minor characters, and
if you’ve derived any enjoyment from reading this account, then I’ll be very
pleased.
- Dennis Price, Actor - The Crystal Maze (Series 5 and 6, 1994/1995).
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