Madame Tussauds: dream dates

There's a strong flavour of fantasy in any big Christmas celebration. We build little rustic villages covered with fake snow and pine branches, we string 'fairy lights' and sparkly paper around.

This year our staff party took it a bit further and added some science fiction and star power - they booked an 'Out of This World' party at world-famous wax museum Madame Tussauds. We were encouraged to go in fancy dress, and heaven forbid we disappoint!

Getting ready with some starry makeup

Magical star transformation!

I went as the constellation Virgo, with a little wheat sheaf strapped to my purse. Many friends and colleagues opted to go as characters from famous science fiction series.

Photo courtesy of Jordan Blake

Photo courtesy of Jordan Blake

Other friends used the power of glitter, or their own glamour and classy outfits, to stand out!

Photo courtesy of Mirjam Coenraads

Photo courtesy of Katie Davies

The true stars though were the waxworks that welcomed us - their realism ironically added a sense of surrealism to the fantasy world.

Photo courtesy of Jordan Blake

We giddily greeted our idols, whether fictional superheroes or real film personalities. Did you want to chat with Steven Spielberg about the power of storytelling through special effects?

Or sip champagne with Mr. Bond?

Maybe you wanted to discuss particle physics and the mythical planet Vulcan with the greatest minds of science: Sir Isaac Newton, Professor Stephen Hawking...

... or the unassumingly charming Dr. Einstein.

Or maybe you fell for Hollywood glitz and glamour and bonded with your favourite movie stars!

Sit on the couch with Clooney or talk Shakespeare and Star Trek with Patrick Stewart.

Or embarrass your friends by forcing them to pry you reluctantly off the arm of that perfect pinnacle of humanity, Benedict Cumberbatch (looking polite but long-suffering).

It was a lovely night and a great way to anticipate the warm, cozy fantasy of the winter holidays.

Season's Greetings!