Buffy the Vampire Slayer celebrates its 20th anniversary this year, and Buffy fans in London were given the opportunity to join in. On March 29th, SyFy UK hosted a special screening at the Prince Charles Cinema in London’s Leicester Square of two special episodes. The first was the classic musical episode Once More, with Feeling, followed by the series finale, Chosen.
Not only did lucky fans get to watch the episodes, but Once More, with Feeling was specially subtitled to let the fans sing along with lyrics. And sing they did: loudly, enthusiastically, and with passion. They probably didn’t even need the lyrics on screen at all.
Your Friendly Neighbourhood Fandom
In conjunction with SyFy, Fandom gave away a number of tickets to fans who entered a giveaway prize draw. Around two hundred fans turned up to screening, many of them in Buffy merchandise, or completely in character as their favourite Scoobies.
There Was An Awesome Cake
Greeting fans in the cinema was this awesome piece of cake-making perfection. Buffy fans know that the cake is based on Giles‘ appearance when he was transformed into a Fyarl Demon. Buffy almost killed him but realised he was actually Giles when she looked into his eyes. He looks a little less threatening here.
Once More With Feeling!
The main event was a raging success as fans collectively sang along with their on-screen heroes. Over the course of the two episodes, fans cheered, cried, and applauded. They made their feelings known on several subjects. Tara: missed. Spike: adored. Dawn: annoying. Anya: cruelly cut down doing something stupid. And when the finale showed the original four – Buffy, Willow, Xander, and Giles – a collective cheer/sob went through the audience.
Fans Had Their Say
Following the screening, Fandom was on hand to interview the fans about their experience, and their love of Buffy in general. Fans from all walks of life told us their favourite moments, characters, and episodes. Some showed off their devotion to Buffy by having tattoos, or personal stories of what Buffy the Vampire Slayer meant to them.
Buffy Everywhere!
Well, kind of. A lot of fans dressed up as their favourite characters like this trio of ladies decked out as Faith, Amy, and Anya. The last one is especially fitting as the outfit is one of Anya’s from Once More, with Feeling!
London may have been the first to experience this wonderful event, but SyFy is hosting similar events in Manchester and Glasgow. The Buffy 20 Sing Along will be enjoyed by even more fans. In fact, you could say they are doing it Once More, With Feeling…
Buffy the Vampire Slayer is back on Syfy in the UK. Catch the Best of Buffy weekend starting April 1.
