Watch The Convention Crasher

The Convention Crasher is a British reality television series that premiered in 2007. The show starred comedian and television presenter Justin Lee Collins who travels across the UK crashing different conventions and events, with the aim of finding out exactly what goes on behind closed doors.

Each episode sees Collins turn up unannounced and attempt to infiltrate everything from religious gatherings to sci-fi fan conventions. He uses his charm and quick wit to talk his way into these closed events, often adopting a ridiculous disguise or persona to help him blend in.

Upon gaining entry to the convention, Collins sets about immersing himself in the events taking place. He talks to the exhibitors, vendors, and attendees to find out what makes the event so special and why people are drawn to it. The show is not a traditional documentary, but rather a light-hearted and comedic look at the weird and wonderful world of conventions.

Throughout the series, Collins crashes everything from beauty pageants to weddings, but it's his appearance at a furry convention that was the most memorable. Dressed in a full furry costume complete with tail and paws, Collins fit right in with the attendees who embrace the furry lifestyle. He took part in activities such as a 'fursuit walk' and even danced in a 'fursuit disco'.

The convention crasher also explored the more niche conventions and sub-cultures, such as the world of extreme body modification. At a tattoo and piercing convention, Collins met people who had their skin modified in unusual ways, including those who had their eyeballs tattooed. He also visited a reptile convention, where he got up close and personal with some of the most exotic and dangerous animals on the planet.

At the heart of the show was Collins' infectious enthusiasm and good humor; he genuinely seemed to enjoy learning about each convention he visited. He was always respectful of the people he met, and it was clear that he had a genuine interest in their passions, no matter how obscure or strange they may seem.

Despite the show's comedic tone, it was also an eye-opening insight into a subculture that most people might never experience. Collins shone a light on the dedication and passion that goes into these niche events, and his presence at the shows gave viewers a glimpse into the unique and often bizarre communities that exist across the UK.

The Convention Crasher ran for one season and consisted of six episodes. It was created by Objective Productions, who also produce several other successful reality shows, including Peep Show and The Real Hustle. While it never achieved the same level of popularity as those shows, it was still well received by audiences who appreciated its lighthearted and humorous approach to exploring an often-overlooked subculture.

Ultimately, The Convention Crasher was an entertaining and informative look at the world of conventions and subcultures. It offered a unique perspective on the bizarre and fascinating communities that exist around the UK, and Collins' infectious enthusiasm made it all the more enjoyable to watch. Whether you're a fan of conventions or just looking for a good laugh, The Convention Crasher is well worth a watch.