The Crystal Maze TV series ran from 1990 to 2020. A team of 6 contestants play a series of physical, mental, skill and mystery games across 4 themed zones gaining as many crystals as possible which determine how many seconds they get as they attempt to win a prize inside the Crystal Dome. From series 2 it was filmed in a hangar at North Weald Airfield. The show was always filmed in November and the hangar was freezing cold. Ironically you can see Richard O’Brien’s breath in some shots, even in the Aztec Zone which is supposed to be hot! The owner of the hangar allowed the producers to leave the set up all the time, meaning they didn’t have to dismantle the huge set and put it into storage between series.
North Weald Airfield
North Weald Airfield in the Epping Forest District of Essex dates back to 1916. It was first established during World War I, serving as a night landing ground for defense against Zeppelin airship raids. It became a part of the Royal Air Force in 1918, but operations ceased in 1964. Today, North Weald is an operational general aviation aerodrome hosting private aircrafts, historic planes, and a museum that delves into its fascinating past. Other attractions nearby include Weald Country Park – with over 500 acres of stunning woodland, lakes, meadows and grassland – and Epping Ongar Railway.
Chatsworth Television
