London Comic Con 2015: 5 things to do over the weekend

There's a lot going on at the MCM Comic Con, happening at the ExCel Centre May 22-24. These are our top picks.

Gillian Anderson, most famous for her role as Agent Scully in the X-Files, is joining a panel to answer questions about her new sci-fi film Robot Overlords, which she stars in alongside Sir Ben Kingsley.

Withnail & I's Richard E Grant will also be making an appearance. Grant, currently in ITV's Jekyll and Hyde, will be joined by co-stars Tom Bateman and Natalie Gumede, as well as the show's writer, Charlie Higson. Higson has been celebrated for his work on the Fast Show and his Young Bond series of novels.

The group will also be hanging around after the panel to sign photographs and meet fans.

Come 4pm on Saturday, the stars of new BBC series Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell will host a chat. The panel will include Jonathan Strange himself (Bertie Carvel) former Game of Thrones actor Paul Kaye and Peter Harness, who adapted the television series from the bestselling 2004 novel of the same name. Director Toby Haynes will also be putting in appearance. Fans of Sherlock take note: Haynes's experience includes directing an episode of the show (the one where Sherlock plunged to his "death", no less).

Check the Comic Con website for all the details of the panel chats.

Take the chance to see a life-size incarnation of the Batmobile featured in the forthcoming video game, Batman: Arkham Knight. It's been put together by West Coast Customs, themselves famous for their work on MTV's Pimp My Ride, and it's pretty spectacular.

Speaking of games, road test unreleased titles and meet the developers behind them too. Games are scattered throughout the Excel Centre, but be sure to head for the Indie Games area, which is the best spot to play games no-one else has got their hands on.

Make the most of Saturday night by heading to the only official MCM Comic Con party of the weekend. The live DJs are promising sets tailored specifically to Comic Con (keep an ear out for gaming tracks and TV themes). There's also a fully licensed bar. It's taking place at the Platinum Suite in the ExCel and lasts until 1am.

As ever, there will be a strong Cosplay presence as this year's convention. Jessica Nigri will be there on all three days, but she'll be far from alone as Comic Con boast that they have more people in costume than any other UK show. There are even Cosplay competitions on stage. Support is on site for anyone who has a "wardrobe malfunction": tools and assistance are in place for repairs, and there is bag storage and changing areas.

While much of Comic Con is dedicated to the big things - like Hollywood stars and Cosplay - be sure to explore: there are plenty of smaller spots well worth seeing. Look out for the Steampunk area, which is lost somewhere in the 1800s, stalls selling film memorabilia and the MCM Fringe Festival. Make time for VidFest, too, which is a celebration of all things online: highlights include the gang behind Cyanide and Happiness and master classes on producing a low budget feature film.

MCM Comic Con takes place May 22-24, Royal Victoria Dock, 1 Western Gateway, E16 1XL. mcmcomiccon.com

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