Life-sized statues of Mary Poppins, Mr Bean, Batman and Gene Kelly will appear in Leicester Square from late February, as part of a star-studded new centrepiece for London's famous cinematic quarter.
Scenes in the Square celebrates 100 years of movie magic, and will see stars immortalised in bronze, rubbing shoulders in and around Leicester Square Gardens. Gene Kelly will swing from a lamppost in an iconic scene from Singin' in the Rain. Mary Poppins will 'float' down from the skies with her umbrella. Bugs Bunny will pop up from the ground, munching a carrot. Laurel and Hardy will dance on top of a ticket office. And Batman will watch over everyone from the rooftop of the Odeon cinema.
The sculpture trail — created by Heart of London Business Alliance in partnership with Westminster City Council and major film studios — also promises an interactive element, with some statues brought to life in the evening, with lighting, alongside interactive maps, video and music.
Leicester Square is certainly the place to do this: its first cinema opened in 1930, while in November 1937, the stunning Egyptian art deco Odeon screened its opening night film The Prisoner of Zenda. The square regularly hosts red carpet premieres.
The statues will appear in Leicester Square from the end of February, and following a six month trial period, it's hoped more likenesses of movie icons will appear alongside them.
At last, the statue of one of London's greatest cinema exports, Charlie Chaplin — currently rather lonely in Leicester Square Gardens — will be getting some celebrity friends.
