Thunderbirds and Friends Land in Worcester This Summer
54321 FAB!
4th July to 6th September 2026
Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum
Fans of classic British television are in for a treat this summer as 54321 FAB! arrives at Worcester City Art Gallery & Museum, bringing the incredible world of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson’s iconic Supermarionation series to life.
Running from 4 July to 6 September 2026, the exhibition showcases an extraordinary collection of original puppets, studio models, production artwork and rare memorabilia from beloved 1960s favourites including Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlet, Joe 90, Stingray and Fireball XL5.
Visitors will have the rare opportunity to see screen-used puppets from the original productions, including Lady Penelope and Joe 90, carefully restored to their on-screen glory. Characters whose original puppets no longer survive – including the heroic Thunderbird pilots – have been faithfully recreated using original moulds and materials, offering an authentic glimpse into one of Britain’s most influential television franchises.
Alongside the famous faces, the exhibition features detailed models of legendary vehicles including Fireball XL5, Stingray and the iconic Thunderbirds craft, while original comic artwork, production designs and an extensive collection of vintage toys and memorabilia promise a nostalgic journey back to the golden age of family television.
The exhibition extends beyond the displays with a packed programme of events throughout the summer. Highlights include spotlight talks from renowned Anderson illustrator Graham Bleathman, whose artwork has become synonymous with Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlet and Stingray, alongside appearances by voice actor Marc Silk, best known as Captain Wayne Rigby in Thunderbirds Are Go! and the voice behind numerous other characters in the series.
The museum’s popular Museum After Hours evenings will also return with a suitably FAB-themed programme celebrating the enduring legacy of Gerry and Sylvia Anderson’s creations.
54321 FAB! has been made possible with the support of Fanderson, the official Gerry and Sylvia Anderson Appreciation Society, making this one of the UK’s must-see exhibitions for fans of classic science fiction, television history and generations raised on “5…4…3…2…1… Thunderbirds are Go!”
Check out the Art Gallery & Museum’s website and social media channels for up-to-date news and information on the exhibition and a fun FAB-themed programme of events and activities.
FAB events and activities:
- Bite-size Talk | 54321! Counting down to a Great Exhibition! | Tuesday 14 July, 2 – 2.30pm. £4.95
- Spotlight Talk | Graham Bleathman – Master of the Cutaway + meet and greet | Saturday 18 July, 11am – 12noon. £10
- Museum After Hours | 54321! ‘Standby for action, we are about to launch’ | Friday 24 July, 6.30 – 9pm. FREE
- Spotlight Talk | Marc Silk – The Voice of Your Imagination + meet and greet | Saturday 1 August, 11am – 12noon. £10
- Museum After Hours: FAB! ‘Anything can happen in the next half hour’ | Friday 21 August, 6.30 – 9pm. FREE
- Spotlight Talk | Marc Silk – The Voice of Your Imagination + meet and greet | Saturday 29 August, 11am – 12noon. £10