TOMB raider Lara Croft is back, with a new Netflix TV series, computer games and a big birthday celebration in her home town – but it’s not where you might expect it to be.
Lara’s upper-crust Croft Manor home, of course, is based in Surrey in the movies. But it’s Derby, in the Midlands, where she was born, in a debut dreamed up by a city games maker.
Development of the first Tomb Raider title was begun back in 1994 by Core Design, and it was released two years later, sparking a long-lasting phenomenon worth billions of pounds.
Aptly, then, Derby is hosting #TR28 – the fourth annual fan event – at the city’s QUAD arts centre on October 12, with guest interviews, discussion panels, autograph signings and photo opportunities.
The line-up has yet to be fully finalised, but previous events have featured actors and production crew members from the films and computer games, attracting hundreds of fans.
It comes just two days after the premiere of new Netflix anime series Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft, with Lara voiced by Hayley Atwell, who played Peggy Carter in the Marvel movies.
The series also features Richard Armitage of The Hobbit, Pirates of the Caribbean and Spooks fame, who also appeared alongside Atwell in Captain America: The First Avenger.
Derby has history with Lara, and in 2010 even named a street after her. Lara Croft Way was chosen from a shortlist by public vote, with 89% of those polled choosing the action heroine.
Tickets for #TR28 at Derby QUAD are priced from £41 for a standard entry ticket. For line-up updates and availability, and to book, go raid the Visit Derby website.
Paul Cole Writes 
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