September 15th 2023.
I was so excited to be heading to London's Protein Studios for a tour of The Neighbours Experience just days before the show's long-awaited return. Anyone who loves the show knows that Neighbours has been a part of daytime TV in the UK for almost four decades, so it's only right that the comeback is celebrated with an incredible exhibition!
When I arrived, I was immediately transported to the world of Erinsborough. What caught my eye first was the unmistakable exterior of Harold's Cafe, which looks just as it does on TV. The inside was even better - tables, chairs, mugs, and menus were all identical to those from the show last year. I felt like I was standing on the Neighbours set - even a few passersby thought it was an actual cafe!
The atmosphere was very much spot on. If I ever wanted to have a heart-to-heart with a confidant, this Harold's would be the place to go. I was even tempted to put on Harold's signature Salvation Army uniform which was hung on the wall!
I then ventured into Lassiter's, which included the welcome desk complete with a green screen and a CGI Ramsay Street sign. But the highlight of the exhibition had to be the Kennedy household. I was a bit taken aback by it all - it looks exactly as it does on the telly, with the portrait of Billy, Libby and Malcolm above the fireplace. I was also surprised to see Mike and Jane's finale outfits on mannequins, as well as Kylie Minogue's iconic wedding dress from 1986.
The back walls were covered in graffiti, which die-hard fans would love. There was also a recreation of the writers room, with scripts and storyboards giving us a rare insight into what it's like for the Neighbours team to devise the upcoming narratives.
Four TV screens then played iconic moments from each of the show's decades, with the fourth screen, a large HD TV, representing what's to come. The crisp look and widescreen aspect ratio made it clear that the show is better than ever for its exciting new chapter.
To end the experience, I got to take a selfie in the photo booth opposite the show's new logo. It was a treasured memory that I won't forget anytime soon.
As a huge fan of Neighbours, I couldn't have enjoyed my outing at the exhibition any more. It's got everything that you could possibly want and, with the excitement palpable for the show's return, it couldn't have come at a better time. Go check it out if you can! The Neighbours Experience is in London until September 17. Free tickets are still available.
[This article has been trending online recently and has been generated with AI. Your feed is customized.]
[Generative AI is experimental.]
