A Message From Mumsey

Thanks to Charlie Wheeler, there's a video that's just gone up on Twitter with a message from Mumsey (Sandra Caron) 

A special message from a very special someone... ❤️ #CrystalMaze pic.twitter.com/cRYRy9qLl9

— Charlie (@Wheeler____) August 15, 2020

So, as a thank you to Charlie for sorting that out, everyone go buy a puzzle book. Go on, you know you want to.

Twitter, Reddit and a Lockdown Lack of Barbers Turns 'The Crystal Maze' Into a Worldwide Hairstyle

Stuck at home with not a barber in sight, many of us have resorted to cutting our own hair with varying degrees of success. In my case that would be zero success whatsoever, yes it's all short but it looks like I did it mid-earthquake.

This chart turned up online and has spread like things on the internet normally do:

I'm currently between 2 and 6, until I get some decent clippers

  

Since that popped up a few days ago, people around the world have been comparing their makeshift hairstyles, often but not always unaware of the very early 90's UK-centric reference to Richard O'Brien. And to a lesser extent Stephen Merchant (it was merely a coincidence as he was filming Logan at the time)

The 30th Anniversary Celebration Ends With A Big Surprise From Richard O'Brien

There was videos, there was anecdotes, there was memories and a quick happy birthday for Red Dwarf too.

But most importantly, and I mean MOST importantly, there was this...

‼️ THIS IS NOT A DRILL ‼️

What better way to end our 30th Anniversary celebrations than with a very special message from RICHARD O'BRIEN himself!!

...If you need us, we've gone for a lie down...#CrystalMaze #CrystalMaze30 #RichardOBrien #1990 pic.twitter.com/qqYJRd6PSk

— The Crystal Maze (@TheCrystalMaze) February 15, 2020

The Crystal Maze 30th Anniversary

In 1989, around this very time, the first-ever series of The Crystal Maze was recorded at Shepperton Studios, which was transmitted for the first time on 15th February 1990. We are fast approaching the 30th Anniversary of this amazing TV show, one of the UK's most successful entertainment shows of all time.

We are unsure yet what plans are in the pipeline if any to mark this incredible milestone. The Crystal Maze idea came about due to the fact that the studio to Fort Boyard was unavailable at the time. Fort Boyard, TCM's sister show, meanwhile has recently marked its own 30th Anniversary.

Will we see a special show to mark the 30th Anniversary of The Crystal Maze in the UK? Let's all hope so. I would love to see a special C4 episode, featuring all four original Maze Masters. Each Master could take a zone each. Richard O'Brien in Aztec, Edward Tudor-Pole in Futuristic, Stephen Merchant in Eastern and Richard Ayoade in Industrial. They could also bring back Medieval for the occasion.

Richard O'Brien made a Cameo appearance in the 2016 Stand Up to Cancer Special, on a TV screen message. But I think the ultimate delight for fans, would be to see him, and Edward Tudor Pole at the new Maze set in the flesh, present one or two games. This would be the best way to mark the 30th Anniversary of the show. It would be especially cool if us fans were invited on to mark it as well. Some of us have props and outfits from the original Maze hangar set, which could make fantastic fan Easter Eggs in the 30th Anniversary episode.

The Crystal Maze, as original Producer David Croft once described, was a "flag on the TV landscape" - it was such an iconic and innovative show, way ahead of its time. It was fun, fresh, exciting and thrilling. So many items of merchandise have been released from the back of the show, from puzzles, books, games and more. This momentum continued into the 21st Century, with many repeats on Challenge TV of the original series. We then eventually saw the live experience venues open across the UK, which pushed for the revival series to be made. It's now confirmed that The Crystal Maze will definitely reach it's 30th anniversary year, as an American version of the format has just recently been recorded. It's enduring and unrelenting nature is a testament to the format. Let's hope this momentum continues into 2020 and beyond. We have the USA version to look forward to, an Eastern Zone Board game expansion pack that is due to be released, as well as the second half of UK celebrity episodes, including a Christmas Special still to air. Let's hope another civilian series is commissioned for its 30th Anniversary year.

The Crystal Maze is here to stay, and let's hope Channel 4 celebrates it's iconic show in a BIG way next year. Channel 4, get that invite sent out to Richard O'Brien's agent NOW! This chance will never come again.

It's Not 'Mumsie', It's 'Mumsey' ( I'm Looking At You @CrystalMazeHQ )

I don't usually intend on going all grammar nazi during my day to day activities, although I'd consider this closer to the level of spelling community support officer.

Allow me to share with you a little ditty from Series 3 Episode 9, with Richard O'Brien tinkling the Medieval ivories (anyone points out the anachronism, I'm going after your spelling, somehow)

Fort Boyards 30th Anniversary Celebration Reveals Some Interesting Richard O'Brien Footage

 Up until now, we'd only ever seen two seconds of the back of Richard's head, so we knew it existed but it hadn't been seen online in any longer form. However last night, as part of the start of the new series of Fort Boyard in France, footage of the UK pilot appeared.

 The UK was the first country to buy the format after seeing the French pilot episode, then titled 'The Keys to Fort Boyard'. Chatsworth Television decided to devise a British version. A non-televised pilot of the British version was filmed with Richard O'Brien as presenter. However, it soon became clear the fort would not available for filming due to its renovations during 1989.

Happy Birthday Richard O'Brien!

The Crystal Maze Fan Blog would like to wish a very happy 77th Birthday to the Maze legend that is Richard O'Brien! You might be living in New Zealand, but we hope you read this. Nearly 30 years since the inception of the Maze and your legacy lives on.

O'Briens birthday falls on a big week for us. We are involved with a project again. In addition to this, the new Live Experience Maze in London's West End opens its doors this Friday. We will be there for that. This is a very exciting week, and this all coincides with the week of O'Briens Birthday. What's your favourite O'Brien quote?