Royston martial arts enthusiasts kick off Star Wars matinee with top demo

Would-be Jedi from Royston’s GMax Academy were joined by the Dark Lord of the Sith himself at Royston Picture Palace.

To mark the community cinema’s afternoon matinée screening of the latest blockbuster in the series, thrilled audience members were greeted by Darth Vader as they arrived to see Star Wars: The Force Awakens.

Dozens of delighted children posed for photographs with the infamous villain from the original trilogy of films.

GMax students Jake and Reese Grimes, Louis and Senan McKenna, Emilio Mullard, Samantha Paul and George Stanway, gave a performance of martial arts weapons techniques that have been incorporated into the light sabre fight choreography used throughout the franchise.

GMax head coach Glen Stanway trained in the same martial arts style as actor Ray Park, who used many of the Chinese sword and cudgel moves when he played Darth Maul in Star Wars: The Phantom Menace.

The young GMax students are learning and practicing the same traditional skills.

The demonstration was concluded by Darth Vader giving prizes for the best fancy dress costumes worn by children in the audience.

Glen said: “It’s a great honour and valuable experience for the students to be given the opportunity to show off their skills in front of a live audience. We hope to return to the Picture Palace again soon when they screen other films.

“I would like to thank Martin Vigus for giving up his afternoon to make sure Lord Vader could attend the event.”