Although semi-retired,  John is still involved in projects with his old clients, particularly Merlin Entertainments.


 

He was instrumental in the master planning and detailed design of Chessington World of Adventures in Surrey, the considerable success of which led to its owners, the Tussauds Group (of which he became a director) subsequently acquiring Alton Towers in Staffordshire. He was then involved in the Group's major expansion program at this attraction, and at Thorpe Park, Heide Park and Gardaland.

His design and concept work at Alton Towers included the Runaway Train, Haunted House, and the world-renowned Nemesis rollercoaster, followed by Oblivion, Hex, Air, Th13teen, and, more recently, the Wicker Man wooden coaster. As a result, Alton Towers has become acknowledged as Britain's number one theme park, and John has continued to work with Merlin's creative team on projects up to the present day.

John Wardley's early background in the film industry (he created the special effects for five of the James Bond films) equips him with a deep understanding of what entertains the British public. His experience in constructing and performing stage illusions led to him to collaborate with the late Geoffrey Thompson at Blackpool Pleasure Beach to create the long-running magic spectacular "Mystique", which ran for nearly 20 years! As illusion consultant to the first production, he designed and created many of the illusions used throughout the entire run, including the incredible finale, where the entire cast of the show vanish onstage, and instantly re-appear amongst the audience.

John acted as story and script adviser on the four-hour major BBC TV drama serial "Have Your Cake", in which the lead character's professional career is based on his own.