THERE have been some Marvel-lous changes at Madame Tussauds Blackpool.
I don’t mean just the addition of the world’s greatest superheroes to the cast of amazingly lifelike waxworks.
Thor, the Hulk, Spider-Man, Iron Man and Groot are only a handful of the recent arrivals at this highly-entertaining visitor attraction on the Blackpool seafront.
There’s our own British superhero, Jodie Whittaker, the latest Doctor Who, in a spooky setting soon after you arrive.
But the recent changes at Madame Tussauds go deeper than simply bringing in a few more ‘guests’ to freshen things up.
There’s been a root-and-branch upgrade to all the galleries, giving visitors – particularly the younger end – a lot more to do rather than simply looking, touching and taking selfies next to the stars.
Among the many interactive activities are beat the goalie, a climbing wall, a laser maze and drumming.
Along with this comes what seems to be an endless series of official photo opportunities with the exhibits, some quite imaginative and high-tech, but all designed to part you from more of your cash.
No pressure though, you can still take your own pictures.
There is a hugely-varied cast of pop singers, film stars, sporting legends and royals, both past and present, from Ken Dodd, Morecambe and Wise, David Attenborough, Deirdre Barlow and Helen Mirren to Mo Farah, Simon Cowell, boxer Nicola Adams and Prince William.
The long-established music gallery has been spruced up, with a particular focus on British pop history, featuring listening booths, atmospheric displays and an eclectic line-up including Johnny Rotten, Olly Murs, Ed Sheeran and Ariana Grande.
The Marvel Super Heroes area is certainly a highlight, with each hero posed in a huge, dramatic setting and allowing visitors to get involved.
The Sporting Heroes Academy offers several interactive challenges, while elsewhere as a chance to explore the solar system with TV scientist Professor Brian Cox or get a score from the new Craig Revel Horwood figure.
The Rovers Return remains a centrepiece, along with the chance to down a pint with some of Coronation Street’s greats including Jack and Vera Duckworth and barmaid Michelle Connor.
The blend of well-chosen celebrities and hands-on activities appeals to all ages – on the day I visited it was clear to everyone – even the hard-to-please teenage crowd – was loving their visit.
Visit madametussauds.com/blackpool for opening times and prices
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