On February 22 and 23 The Forge will be with you. Well, technically it’ll be with London’s West End, where the sound of clanging steel will echo from under the Piccadilly Lights. There, you can follow in the footsteps of Star Wars’ most revered warriors, entering a gritty setting inspired by the armoury in The Mandalorian. Inside, you’ll find photo ops, live music from the show and, if you’re feeling thirsty after tracking down your latest bounty, a fully-stocked cantina.
The two-day pop-up brings the world of The Mandalorian to life for those fans who’ve always fancied stepping through the screen into the gripping space Western. The Forge is a space inspired by the show’s armoury; the subterranean sanctum drenched in mystique and mystery where the Mandalorian’s beskar steel helmets and lethal-looking weapons are fashioned. While, alas, there won’t be a certain moustachioed man of the moment there (if you haven’t heard, Pedro Pascal is a little busy), and unfortunately the lovely little Grogu is a work of fiction (don’t shoot the messenger), you can just channel your own inner intergalactic warrior and pretend you’re on your own adventure in the same galaxy as the show.
Wondering where to go? This is the way: you’ll find the entrance at 48 Regent Street, bathed in the practically cosmic glow of London’s Piccadilly lights, which alone set the scene with their giant kaleidoscope of digital adverts – very Coruscant-esque. There’ll be droid photographers at hand to capture any mementos of your visit and there’s even a chance to wield a Darksaber, which I probably don’t have to tell most of you – but will just in case – is a legendary weapon forged by Mandalorians.
Foundlings of all ages are welcome but just keep in mind there will be a real blacksmith area, complete with heavy tools and extremely hot surfaces, so billowing cloaks might not be the best idea. If chosen, fans will be able to witness their own Beskar-inspired ‘ingot’ being stamped by the blacksmiths, a treasurable token to take home as a souvenir. Once you’ve raised a glass to Han Solo at the cantina bar and had a little shimmy to live performances of the haunting old-world-western-meets-futuristic-synth music of the show, you’ll have had enough of a Mandalorian fix to tide you over until season three hits Disney+ on March 1.
The 30-minute experience is free, but only a limited number of guests will be allowed entry at any one time. There are also tickets available to walk-ins but please be advised admission is not guaranteed and is subject to demand.