Droid performer Kiran Shah MBE, best known for playing the tortured gonk droid in Return of the Jedi, is the eighth guest announced for Look sir, droids! Echo Base Live, Europe’s premiere Star Wars collectors event, taking place in Redditch on October 10th, 2026.
Kiran joins previously announced guests including droid builder/performer Matt Denton, droid performer Raymond Griffiths, droid performer Nathan Plant, droid performer Mike Quinn, droid operator Lynn Robertson Bruce, actress, creature & suit performer Stephanie Silva and droid builder and operator Lee Towersey.
Kiran played the tortured GNK-series power droid (often referred to as a “gonk droid” or “dustbin droid”) in Jabba the Hutt’s dungeon.
He originally brought this character to life in Return of the Jedi (1983), where his droid character famously receives hot iron brands to its feet. Kiran has portrayed numerous other small creatures, aliens, and droids across the saga, including another GNK droid in The Rise of Skywalker, Teedo in The Force Awakens, and Granik in Andor. He also portrayed Brethupp, the drummer Ewok in Return of the Jedi.
Away from Star Wars, Kiran has appeared in the Chronicles of Narnia, Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, Doctor Who, Dark Crystal, and Raiders of the Lost Ark.
Kiran will be join us all day, signing autographs and answering your questions.
Autographed Photo Price: £35
Kiran will also be joining our Star Guest Dinner. Tickets available now!
(Autograph charges apply, all guests are subject to change and are beyond the control of the event promoter).
All updates are available via the Echo Base Facebook groups and here on Jedi News.
