Creative Costumes

We often celebrate our wonderful actors and actresses, but what about the magic that makes the production come alive? “Costuming a large cast is a hugely time-consuming thing,” explains Emily Fox (BH95-), Artistic Director of Theatre. “Obviously more difficult if it is period costume. I’m hoping it will be a bit easier with this year’s production of Fame. Costume design falls mainly to the director (so me usually!) to decide what the look is going to be for a show. We then use the BTT wardrobe and Surrey Arts to source costumes. I also trawl charity shops on a regular basis and pick up things that might one day be needed. Christine Todd, Personal Assistant to the Deputy Head (Academic), is my partner in crime in this, and I consider her to be our Theatre’s Wardrobe Mistress – although we don’t have anyone in that role officially. She mends, adjusts and even sometimes makes costumes/ accessories (like all those Les Mis sashes and the two Scrooge night shirts at the last minute!) where we struggle to find items. I wouldn’t want to embark on a School production without her!”

The School has a rich history in costume design which, most notably dates back to the 1960s, when the first Director of the Ben Travers Theatre, Geoffrey Ford (BH56-92, d. 2016), led the way in putting on incredibly elaborate and ambitious productions. His go-to designer was Joyce Conwy Evans and she designed a number of sets and costumes under his direction. Joyce Conwy Evans is an interior designer, costume and set designer and tapestry designer who is still producing work and teaching today. Her work is incredibly varied, ranging from set and costume designs for Glyndebourne and Sadler’s Wells, to interior designs for private homes, CreativeCostumes restaurants and hotels, as well as producing designs for Windsor Castle. The School has recently received a collection of these designs from the executors of Geoffrey Ford’s will. Our Theatre is in the process of reviewing the BTT’s wardrobe, so expect to see more beautiful creations in the future. With the introduction of a new Fashion Design & Textiles Department, teaching GCSE Textiles, we can be sure to see the artistic flair of the Theatre continue to grow in the future.