One of the reasons that the UK has heavily funded flagship theatre companies like the National Theatre is so they can be centres of excellence. And one of the ways the NT leads the world is in the quality of its costume design and making.
We’re so used to the gorgeous frocks there that we take them for granted, or the clothing is such a perfect refection of the character’s social status that we don’t even notice it. You seldom see costume design singled out for praise in reviews.
All that’s about to change when the work of the company’s wardrobe department and designers takes pride of place in a new exhibition which runs from October 3 to March 2020 in the NT’s Wolfson Gallery.
It’s free and as well as the opportunity to marvel at costumes from shows including Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Follies, Antony and Cleopatra and War Horse we’re promised a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the work of the NT’s 46-strong costume team, at each stage of the production process, from design and construction, to sourcing, alterations, repairs and laundering.
Curator Aoife Monks says: “Costume is one of the first things we see on stage, telling us immediately about the world of the show we are about to watch. Despite this we often overlook it, thinking more about the character wearing their fictional clothes than the actor in their costume. However, even the most ordinary costumes take extraordinary amounts of work. Drawing on interviews with NT staff, this exhibition reveals the skill, thought and time that costume requires. You will never overlook it in the same way again.”
There’ll be a book based on the exhibition too and a series of talks and events will be announced soon.
The Make A Difference Trust (MAD) is thoroughly good news. Fuelled by actors and the theatre profession they stage a number of events throughout the year to raise money in support of those living with or affected by HIV/AIDS.