Silent Witness star Emilia Fox has been invited to introduce a screening of Pliosaurus – The Discovery of a Monster in an event which promises an engaging combination of science, storytelling, and visual spectacle.
Ms Fox, the daughter of actor Edward Fox, spent some time growing up in Dorset. She is best known for playing Dr Nikki Alexander in the BBC crime drama Silent Witness since 2004.
The screening will take place at the Mowlem Theatre in Swanage on Thursday, April 16 and will be followed by an in-depth talk and audience with Dr Steve Etches MBE, the palaeontologist behind the Etches Collection’s discoveries.
Emilia Fox (Image: NQ)
The documentary, which explores the discovery, excavation, and significance of one of the largest Jurassic marine predators ever found – the pliosaur – will open the event. Dr Etches will then take to the stage to share further insights and answer questions from the audience.
Sir David Attenborough featured the pliosaur skull in his BBC documentary, titled Attenborough and the Sea Monster which aired on New Year’s Day 2024, unearthing the secrets of the prehistoric sea monster whose 150-million-year-old skull was found on a beach near Kimmeridge Bay.
null (Image: Undated BBC handout photo)
Organisers say the major cultural evening has also received significant local backing, with The Rotary Club of Swanage confirmed as official supporters of the screening and talk presented by The Etches Collection.
The Etches Collection says their support reflects a shared commitment to education, heritage, and community engagement within Swanage and the wider area.
A spokesperson for The Etches Collection said: “We are delighted to welcome Emilia Fox to introduce what promises to be a very special evening for Swanage. Emilia’s involvement adds a wonderful dimension to the event.
Dr Steve Etches with the pliosaur teeth (Image: Hollie Carr)
“We are equally grateful for the support of The Rotary Club of Swanage. Their backing demonstrates the strength of local partnership and the importance of working together to celebrate Dorset’s extraordinary Jurassic heritage.
“By bringing together science, film, and live discussion, alongside strong local support, the event celebrates both Dorset’s internationally significant fossil story and the collaborative spirit that helps make such occasions possible.”
null (Image: Hollie Carr)
The Etches Collection is a modern fossil museum in Kimmeridge showcasing thousands of exceptionally preserved Late Jurassic marine fossils from pliosaurs and ichthyosaurs to ammonites, most of them discovered locally over decades by Dr Etches, and displayed with lighting, CGI and a working lab to tell the story of life in the Kimmeridge seas around 150 million years ago.
The event starts at 7pm, with tickets priced at £12. They can be purchased online from https://themowlem.com/event/the-etches-collection-screening-talk/.