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We had been costuming a variety of summer show, musicals
and pantomimes for many years when we were asked to produce
the costumes for Cambridge Arts Theatre, where Christopher
Biggins was playing Dame. He loved the humour in the
costumes we made for him and when he joined Michael Rose
Limited for Cinderella at the Mayflower, we were asked to
design and create the costumes for the whole production. Since
then we have worked with Michael on many of his projects at
the Mayflower and last year at the 02 Arena on Aladdin with
Paul O’Grady. We are still providing costumes for Cambridge
Arts and last year we provided costumes for over a dozen venues
at Christmas.
When you are creating a
production from scratch where
would you begin?
Well, with the larger clients,
we usually begin by meeting the
client to discuss their view of the
production and we put together a
costume plot within their budget.
Next we select fabrics and with
larger contracts we would do a
selection of original drawings
to show the client what the final
garments will look like. We
try to include as much detail
as possible in the drawings
including headdresses and
accessories. At our next meeting
designs are agreed, fabric samples are selected and the costume
plot is finalised. It’s important to get as much as possible agreed
at this stage. Once we’re in production, changes can be very time
consuming and costly of course. Once the basic garment is put
together we begin the fittings. Some of the principals would have
two or three fittings of the costume to ensure they fit perfectly
and that they can work on stage in comfort. Of course, no matter
how many fittings they have, we are usually making last minute
changes just before the curtain goes up!!
When you produce costumes for the amateur market, how
does that differ?
Well, usually the companies are much bigger in the amateur
world: it’s not unusual to see a chorus of thirty-plus in an
amateur company. There also tends to be a wider range of ages
and sizes. We would still meet with the company and get a feel
for what they want, trying to bring something different to the
production and to dress people as individuals not just by the size
chart. It’s even more important with amateur performers that
they feel comfortable and in character if they’re going to enjoy
their week in the limelight. Of course with tighter budgets it’s
becoming more and more difficult for companies to make ends
meet, so we try to work closely with them to achieve the best
possible end result.
Tell us about your favourite projects?
We loved creating the costumes for a new musical version of
Peter Pan in 2011. The pirates were a fabulous mix of colours
and textures and the mermaids pushed our design skills to the
limit. We also loved designing the
Aladdin
costumes for the
very flamboyant Lily Savage! With furs, sequins and jewels
galore it was glamour with a capital “G”!
Our
Jesus Christ Superstar
wardrobe has been out several times
While most of us are looking forward to a little summer
sunshine, at Carry On Costumes they are preparing for
Christmas!
ACT caught up with Helen Barrington who works as their hat
maker……..
Tell us about Carry On Costumes
?
We are based in the New Forest, and owner Sue Simmerling
has been creating theatrical costumes for the last thirty years.
Over those years we have worked in every area of the amateur
and professional light entertainment market, from Cruise Lines
to Pantomimes, Television to Cabaret and Summer Seasons to
Musicals.
How did you become involved in the business?
I grew up and trained in Manchester and spent several years
performing and directing in amateur productions with Urmston
Musical Theatre and All Saints Operatic Society. In 1980
I moved into professional theatre and, whilst working for P
& O Cruise Lines, I met Sue Simmerling. She was making
costumes for the production shows and we’ve been friends ever
since. Nine years ago I joined her business and I make the head
dresses and hats. We still are making the costumes for all seven
of the P & O Southampton based fleet. Since having my family,
I have become very involved in the local theatre scene and my
background has always been asset in understanding the needs
of amateur companies and the growing youth theatre market.
And how did you develop the business, shore side?
Confessions of a Costumier