by Priscilla

May.14, 2011, under Blog

I dress Bob, the Benjis’ and some of the ensemble boys. Normally a typical day begins with pre-setting the clothes at about quarter to seven; meaning I go into the dressing rooms and drop off all the laundry and any costumes that they wear at the beginning of the show. I then take any other laundry and costumes down to the stage, placing then in various locations backstage in preparation for the show, either laid out in the wardrobe Village or in baskets. I then head back to wardrobe to get ready for curtain up and the show to begin.

One of the main parts of the job as a dresser is building a rapport and understanding with the actors, because each one is different. With the recent cast change we have had a new wave of artists, who in a very short amount of time we have to get to know before their first show, with only a tech and dress rehearsal to get them used to their costumes on stage and the routines of quick changes. I also have the chance of working with the children on the show which is enjoyable.

Sally Ridgeon

There are a LOT of costumes in Priscilla and it gets very hectic backstage. One of the hardest costumes to work with are the cupcakes. They are huge and you have to get the boys out of them very quickly to then get them into their casino costumes for the next scene. It is very hectic backstage as they take up nearly the entirety of both wings and new people who come into the show have to learn fast or get mowed down by a cake!

I’ve been on the show now for two years. It is the first professional job I’ve undertaken having just finished at university when I started here. I studied at Central School of Speech and Drama doing a degree in Theatre Practise: Costume Construction. There I got a wide education in costume making and supervising, but I also got to go out and do a lot of work experience, which ultimately landed me the job here at Priscilla. The advice I would give to others wishing to enter the industry is to get as much work experience as you can, build your contacts, each placement leading you to the next. You do have to work hard though, and prove that you are good for the job to the professionals in the placement you are working in, as one day they may call you back for work. Priscilla was a very daunting show to start work on, but I still really enjoy it even after my 2 years.

My favourite songs are I Will Survive and MacArthur Park, you cannot help but sing along. Even if you’re not sure about the show, still come and see it, it will surprise you and you’ll really enjoy it, because there is nothing quite like it on the West End. You will always leave with a smile on your face.