by Priscilla

Nov.13, 2011, under Backstage Blog

I am one of many Dressers on Priscilla and my role is to be predominantly in charge of three of the ensemble. I look after Tim, Graham and James and help out with the ensemble quick changes. As a dresser it is my job is to ensure that all the costumes are clean and in working order and that everything needed for the show is in the right place for the right time, and that they have everything before the show starts.

My job starts with collecting the laundry and taking it to the dressing rooms, checking on the guys. Then I set out every costume that is needed in the specific order of when it is worn in a quick change area underneath the stage. I then set the rest of the bulkier costumes upstairs in the wardrobe village and wings, which are basically voids of spaces around the set.

Costumes backstage

I’ve been on Priscilla since day one, so well over 1000 shows. You could say I am on auto pilot now with my role, but it’s always a challenge every day and there is always something that could go wrong so you have to be on guard. It’s fast and hard work and you spend a lot of time in fairly intimate spaces, so trust is vital when it comes to being a dresser. I have been very lucky though as the guys I have all know exactly what they are doing and they are great to work with.

The most challenging part of the Priscilla for me would be Les Girls, as I have two of the ensemble to dress at the same time. It’s very fast as they are putting their makeup on at the same time, but generally I don’t have the more hectic costumes changes as the principal dressers have. Running up and down stairs carrying heavy baskets of worn costumes is a bit more challenging, particularly when your can hear your cue and your three floors up from where you are supposed to be!

My favourite parts Priscilla would be Go West, I Will Survive, Boogie Wonderland and Finally. The costumes in those scenes are the really iconic ones and most fun. I trained at Wimbledon School of Art in Costume Design and decided if I was to be a good designer then the best way to learn was to work backstage.

I previously worked on Never Forget at the Savoy Theatre and before that I worked at Wimbledon Theatre as an in-house dresser, which had a new show every week. If someone wants to work in theatre then it is vital they know how a show works behind the scenes, so gaining the experience is key. You have to be determined as it isn’t all glamour, bright lights and glitter!

A reason to see Priscilla? It’s fun, crazy, makes you laugh, cry and has a heart with great costumes and songs. it is also closing on New Year’s Eve so don’t miss it!