2002 - Madame Tussaud’s starts to introduce exciting new interactive attractions where guests get to feel what it is like to be famous. In the ‘Goal!’ attraction guests step into the moment when David Beckham prepares to take the 93rd minute free kick that leads England into the World Cup - his figure is created with a beating heart.
After a sitting at Buckingham Palace, Queen Elizabeth II’s 22nd figure is created for a Golden Jubilee attraction at Madame Tussaud’s. The ropes surrounding the Royal Family are taken away forever as guests are invited to have a personal ‘Audience with The Queen.’
2003 – Tussaud’s collaborates with Disney to create a Treasure Planetarium attraction, and with Universal Pictures to create The Hulk attraction.
The Chamber-Live! gives a new injection of fear to the Chamber Of Horrors.
2004 - More new interactive attractions open; In ‘Divas’, starring Beyonce, Britney and Kylie, guests are taught dance moves and perform on stage with feedback on their performance from Beyonce via video link.
‘Bollywood for Beginners’ opens with the new figure of Aishwariya Rai and guests get to perform in a scene from the film ‘Bride & Predjudice’.
‘Marry me George’ sees guests getting the chance to have a dinner date with Mr Clooney and trying out their best chat-up lines – they are rewarded with either diamond engagement ring or the bill for dinner!
2005 - Madame Tussaud’s gets rocking with a new show ‘Air Guitar Star’ starring The Darkness’ Justin Hawkins. Guests are taught air guitar moves and battle it out to become the top Rock God!
Guests are invited to try and put a twinkle in the eye of the new Robbie Williams figure, made because the previous figure was literally ‘worn out’ from the over-attention of eager fans!
Conclusion
In conclusion I’d like to say that working at my report I discovered a lot of astonishing details about the past and present of the museum. It was interesting to learn about opening the Planetarium, moving images and animatronic ride “The Spirit of London”. I could hardly imagine that there are even speaking wax figures and that visitors can freely interact with them – dance, sing, play and what not! I was also impressed reading about Studio Secrets; the process of making wax sculpture is a real art! And can you imagine that each hair is inserted individually and it takes five weeks? And of course it was a surprise for me to follow wonderful changes and how the museum gradually turned into a great international complex Tussaud’s Group!
I can’t but say I highly appreciate Marie Grosholz, or Madame Tussaud. I admire this talented strong, courageous and enthusiastic business lady. I’m sure her life and the history of the Museum can serve a brilliant example for business people how to develop and expand one’s business. And without any doubts she would be proud to see the fantastic changes of her creation!
My report is supported with a video “Madame Tussaud’s Museum”, which was really helpful. I got a vivid picture of the Museum and watched the process of wax figure – making in a mould studio, as if I have visited it myself.
I wish I could drop in a chilling Chamber of Horrors, or come to a life size chocolate figure of Sir Elton John and smell it! And it would be nice to watch David Beckham taking his free kick and listen to his beating heart!
I wonder if there is wax Marilyn Manson there. It would be great!
Bibliography
· Studio Secrets booklet, copyright M. Tussaud’s Limited, 1993, produced by Big Design, London, p. 49 - 50
· World Business Legends magazine, № 4, 2004
· Uchitelskaya Gazeta, Olga Dmitrieva (www.ug.ru)
· Stories To Enjoy (intermediate), Moscow, “Manager” p. 111-113
· Speak Out Magazine № 6, 2004, p. 8 – 9
· Wax Works Museum, A. Greiser, Ekaterinburg, p. 86 – 89
· Video “Madam Tussaud’s Museum” \ “Waking Around London”
Contents
Introduction
How It All Began
Madam Tussaud’s and Her Museum
Studio Secrets
Entertaining and Amazing People
Developing Business
Chronology
Conclusion
Bibliography