Invasion Colchester's Special Guests
Invasion Colchester has welcomed an incredible line-up of actors, performers, artists, and behind-the-scenes talent over the years, with credits spanning the Star Wars saga, Doctor Who, Game of Thrones, the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Harry Potter, and many more.
For 2026, we’re delighted to welcome performers Clem So, Ross Mullan, John Simpkin, Ross Sambridge, and James Taylor.
Joining our screen guests this year are acclaimed movie sculptors Gary Pollard and Steve Braund, and guest artist Keith Burns. With acclaimed mixed-media artist Rob Bishop making an appearance at MP Galleries, we're bringing even more behind-the-scenes creativity to Invasion Colchester.
From iconic creatures and background characters to stunt work, stand-ins, and unforgettable appearances across film,television, and other media, this year’s guests have helped bring some of the world’s biggest universes to life.
Guest Performers
Clem So
Clem So is a prolific background and character actor whose distinctive look has made him a recognisable figure across some of the biggest film franchises. His screen journey began with 47 Ronin, and he quickly went on to land featured roles in acclaimed shows such as Sherlock, Being Human, and Doctor Who. In the latter, he appeared in multiple episodes — including as the Mandarin Clockwork Droid in "Deep Breath", a Space Corpse in "Oxygen", and a Ji-Hun Pirate in "Legend of the Sea Devils".
Clem’s film credits span a wide range of high-profile titles, including Guardians of the Galaxy, Doctor Strange, Black Widow, Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One, Morbius, and Ready Player One. He has appeared in both Star Wars: The Force Awakens and The Last Jedi, as well as Solo: A Star Wars Story, Fantastic Beasts: The Crimes of Grindelwald, Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom, and Zack Snyder’s Justice League.
You might also have spotted Clem as part of King Randor's court in 2026's Masters of the Universe!
Ross Mullan
Ross Mullan is a Canadian–British actor, creature performer, and puppeteer, best known as the original White Walker in HBO’s Game of Thrones (Seasons 2–4). On Doctor Who he embodied the terrifying The Silence and The Teller, cementing his reputation for unforgettable full-prosthetic roles.
On the big screen, Mullan played one of the three Stygian Witches in Warner Bros.’ Clash of the Titans, the ill-fated Dr. Wobegone in Sharknado 5: Global Swarming, and the fastidious Maître D' in Marvel’s Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.
For younger audiences he’s instantly recognisable as the enigmatic Numbertaker in the BBC’s Numberjacks. He also puppeteered and voiced Nev the Bear on Bear Behaving Badly, showcasing range beyond creature suits.
Across film, television, commercials, and games, Mullan has portrayed countless werewolves, demons, and aliens, and contributed motion-capture and voice work to multiple titles and documentaries.
John Simpkin
John Simpkin is a veteran actor whose career has spanned some of Britain's most iconic film and television productions. Best known to Star Wars fans for portraying Klaatu in Star Wars: Episode VI – Return of the Jedi, John also appeared throughout the memorable Jabba's Palace sequences and later returned to the galaxy far, far away as a Stormtrooper in the "You Rebel Scum" scene.
Beyond Star Wars, John's extensive screen career includes appearances in a number of major productions, including the James Bond film For Your Eyes Only, as well as Flash Gordon, Superman, Supergirl, The Legend and Hamlet. His versatility and screen presence have seen him portray a wide range of characters across film and television.
John has become a popular guest on the convention circuit, where he enjoys sharing behind-the-scenes stories from the sets of some of cinema's most beloved classics. Fans can meet him throughout the day to hear about his experiences working on Star Wars and other legendary productions, browse a selection of photographs and memorabilia, and obtain autographs.
Ross Sambridge
Standing at 7ft 1in, Ross Sambridge has used his extraordinary height and physical presence to portray a wide range of memorable characters across film and television.
Most notably, Ross worked alongside Andy Serkis to help bring the fearsome Supreme Leader Snoke to life in Star Wars: The Last Jedi. He is also credited as a Wookiee Slave in Solo: A Star Wars Story, and appeared in Serkis’s directorial debut, Breathe.
Ross has also brought his distinctive frame to the horror genre, appearing as a Witch in True Horror and playing the title character in The Manhattan Alien Abduction.
His television appearances include 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, The Alan Titchmarsh Show, A Bear’s Tail, and Michael McIntyre’s Big Show.
More recent credits include Disney’s Artemis Fowl, Celeste’s music video for On With the Show, and a striking appearance as a version of Nosferatu in Holly Humberstone’s music video for To Love Somebody.
James Taylor
James Taylor is a British actor, stand-in, and stunt double known for his work across blockbuster franchises including Star Wars, Marvel, and Harry Potter. In the Star Wars sequel trilogy, he was the credited stand-in and double for Kylo Ren across Episodes VII, VIII, and IX, as well as a regular Stormtrooper and Resistance pilot. He also doubled Captain Phasma during her death scene in The Last Jedi. James plays Kylo Ren in the Star Wars Experience ride at Disneyland, appearing alongside Domhnall Gleeson, with voiceover by Adam Driver.
James's extensive film credits span fantasy, action, and superhero films. He appeared as a Snatcher, Death Eater, and even doubled the giants chasing Flitwick in Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. His Disney and Marvel credits include Maleficent (both films), Beauty and the Beast, Snow White and the Huntsman, Thor: The Dark World, Captain America: The First Avenger, Venom: Let There Be Carnage, and as the stand-in for Red Guardian in Black Widow. He was also the head of the Spartan army in Wrath of the Titans and a featured soldier in War Horse.
Additional film appearances include roles in King Arthur, Henry V, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, Hobbs & Shaw, Now You See Me 2, Blitz, Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows, Mission: Impossible – Fallout, Holmes & Watson, Jupiter Ascending, The Commuter, The Conjuring 2, Red Sparrow, Pan, Sense8, Gunmen, Fighting with My Family, Exodus: Gods and Kings, Last Christmas, and Love Again.
He began his career in television in 2008 and has regularly appeared in UK dramas including EastEnders, Holby City, The Bill, Silent Witness, Lewis, Spooks, and Whitechapel.
Alongside screen work, James remains active in theatre, continuing to perform on stage.
Guest Movie Sculptors
Gary Pollard
Gary Pollard is a sculptor, hands-on art director, and creature effects designer whose career has spanned more than four decades across film, television, theatre, themed environments, and specialist creative projects.
After graduating from Nottingham Trent University in 1983 with a BA (Hons) degree in 3D Design (Theatre), Gary secured his first professional engagement on Jim Henson’s fantasy classic Labyrinth. The production marked the beginning of a long career creating characters, creatures, props, and environments for the entertainment industry.
Since then, Gary has contributed his sculpting and design skills to numerous screen and stage productions, combining traditional craftsmanship with practical creature-effects work. His experience includes detailed sculptural work, hands-on art direction, and the creation of imaginative characters and environments for a wide variety of productions and special projects.
Steve Braund
Steve Braund is the founder and sculptor behind Mind Magic Studios, a UK-based special effects studio specialising in hyper-realistic silicone and resin masks, prosthetics, costumes and props for film, television, theatre, live events and collectors.
Founded in 2014, Mind Magic Studios combines traditional sculpting techniques with modern production methods to create hand-crafted creature effects, character masks and bespoke props. Every piece is designed, sculpted, moulded, cast and finished by hand, earning the studio a reputation for exceptional realism, durability and attention to detail.
Steve trained with some of the UK's and Hollywood's leading creature sculptors at Gorton Studios, including acclaimed artist Don Lanning. His work has since been commissioned by filmmakers, theatre companies, scare attractions, advertising agencies, musicians, cosplayers, LARP groups and collectors around the world.
His film credits include the award-winning Fluxx and ManFish, where he created the lead amphibious creature, as well as Member's Club, Bambi: The Reckoning, and several upcoming productions, including work for a major fantasy streaming series. His creations have also appeared in advertising campaigns, themed attractions and live performances.
As both a sculptor and experienced costumer, Steve understands the importance of creating pieces that not only look incredible on screen but are also comfortable, expressive and practical to wear. Whether producing a screen-ready creature, a faithful replica or an original character design, his passion is bringing imagination to life through traditional craftsmanship and practical effects.
Guest Artist
Keith Burns
Keith Burns is an award-winning aviation artist and commercial illustrator whose work has earned international recognition for its historical accuracy, dramatic storytelling and meticulous attention to detail. With a career spanning more than two decades, Keith has become one of the UK's leading aviation artists, producing paintings, book illustrations and comic artwork for publishers and collectors around the world.
Well known to comic fans, Keith has spent almost 20 years illustrating comics, particularly acclaimed Second World War stories written by Garth Ennis. His distinctive artwork has brought numerous wartime tales to life, combining authentic aircraft, military history and cinematic action.
A full member of the Guild of Aviation Artists, Keith has also served on the judging panel for the Guild's prestigious annual exhibition. His work has received numerous accolades, including the Messier Dowty Award for Best Acrylic Painting in Show in 2015, the Aviation Painting of the Year Award in both 2016 and 2025, and the Patricia Forrest and the Late John Moore Best Group of Paintings Award in 2026.
Beyond comics and gallery work, Keith has illustrated postage stamps for Jersey Post, created artwork for twelve Ladybird books covering the Second World War, and has worked extensively with Aces High Gallery, producing original aviation paintings for collectors across the globe. He has also recently completed the artwork for his 50th Commando comic cover, marking a significant milestone in an already distinguished career.
Whether depicting iconic aircraft in flight or capturing pivotal moments in military history, Keith's artwork combines technical precision with a passion for aviation that has made him one of the most respected artists working in the genre today.
MP Galleries
Returning to MP Galleries this year is acclaimed mixed-media artist Rob Bishop, whose distinctive artwork combines digital illustration with etched maple wood to create stunning three-dimensional pieces inspired by film, television, comics and popular culture.
Each artwork is individually hand-finished, giving every piece its own unique character and texture. Visitors will have the opportunity to browse a selection of Rob's latest creations, chat with the artist throughout the day, and purchase original artwork and limited editions celebrating some of the world's most iconic characters and franchises.
