Costume Parade.

Soldier

Overall the Soldier went very well, and minimal changes are required. Obviously from the photos we still have no shoes at this moment in time as the ones we ordered from ebay looked far too modern when they were opened. We are therefor going to hire some shoes for Josh along with the Torbay hire items to be collected on Tuesday. We will therefore need to see how the putties fit with the boots when the time comes. It is essential these are dressed accurately when the time comes as they otherwise will show up the historical accuracy of the garment to be incorrect. Further dressing notes are that his hat must be worn correctly with the badge central and that his braces are level. The trousers need kneeing more to shoe authentic breaking down and the shirt will be washed every night to increase its look of wear. This means we may have to do some additional breaking down after it's washing that Emily originally did. The button needs to be sewn on for the hat and a Sam Brown belt is needed for the outer jacket we now have which will also be found at Torbay. I am so happy with this costume and how perfectly it represents my design down to the finest details such as the fit of the trouser and the buttoned front and collar. It is authentic yet unique to the character of our Soldier all at once. 

Front view

Back view

Jacket and Trouser are a very good colour match. 

 Princess

This also went very well and watching Rachel practice her dance moves made me realise how beautiful this dress truly is as it flows when she moves perfectly. There are minor changes such as adding fastening between the bodice and skirt and making the diamante chain more brown/black than yellow which it looks at the moment. There was debate about whether to remove the trimming from the peplum but in the end it was left as it was. Diamante chain as cuffs for cape looks lovely and colour of cape ties her and the Soldier together in colour as well as completing her costume with another colour so it is not so 2D. Her ballet shoes will have some embroidery added to match them to her gown and tie the whole costume together, I feel I have achieved a look of regality and elegance with this costume withough giving her a crown which I am very pleased about. 

Practicing in final garment to check dance moves are still possible which they all are.

Front view

Cowl back and cape

 Narrator

A further successful costume with minor changes, the white hanky will be changed to a brown Paisley/spotty silk scarf which Aimee will head out to buy as well as adding a watch chain to the waistcoat pocket. The suit needs to be pressed again and checked over as there looks like a tiny pull in the sleeve which hopefully will be resolved by this. The shoes need a professional polish and relacing so the laces run straight. A hat box will be provided to keep the hat in good condition. This costume encompasses the Narrator's important role and gentleman quality and this will be completed with the addition of watch chain/scarf to show his care for his appearance. I know the buttons have been changed from my specification but seeing them on the suit now I can see that they look sophisticated and blend in nicely with the fabric where as mine would have stood out too much.

 Devil 

Old Man

This costume looks good and only needs the turn up reducing my half and lowering the hem onto the foot by half. Dressing notes: top 3 buttons done up correctly, end of belt folded over. The coat however was a problem as during a misunderstanding when having helpers to breakdown the coat was dramatically broken down and destroying an item from our store as well as being totally out of keeping with the character.

 Cattle Merchant

The buttons will be changed with the ones orginially bought for the Narrator to give a more period look and the sleeves need to be let down a little more. Cravat needs an iron then screwing up as it is too messy at the moment. Wrong buttonhole to be removed from lapels (to be done by Dexter). Dressing notes: Cravat tie tucked into collar.

Washer woman

Boobs have been added and now outweigh her bottom half considerably which looks ridiculous. A petticoat will be found from the store to fill out her bottom half so it is in keeping with her bust. I do like the womanly affect it creates, weights and elastic straps will also be added to the bra so they look more saggy. The pinny will be looked at again with petticaots under skirt but at the moment it is creating the wrong shape, making her look more narrow so this may need replacing. Dressing note: Collar and buttons need to be over the shawl. Shawl tucked into apron. After the parade Dexter also  suggested putting the hanky in her sleeve rather than the pocket to alter it's location more which, on looking back at these photos, agree with.

Creating a better shape.

Violinist

This was the costume that drastically needs change due to a mistake made when taking in the trousers which were also very expensive. The trousers are completely the wrong shape for dress trousers and are now far too small so that she can't even tuck in the shirt as well as being entirely overlocked. Dexter is going to see if he can try and resolve them and Aimee is going to look for some mens 28inch dress trousers. The shirt and waistcoat need starching and small white buttons will be used on a flase button hole will be used as the fastening. Poppers are also needed at the collar for the quick change to be hidden by the bow tie. As the leotard will no longer be worn beneath gloves are not needed. The trousers are spoiling this outfit at the moment however all other aspects of the costume are nearly correct. 

Back view

Trousers are drainpipe not straight leg

Completely wrong silhouette for the era.

Devil Final Costume

First time the headdress and costume have been seen together and they look fantastic. Some adjustments needed for headdress so it fits comfortably/securely for dance but it tones in beautifully with the body suit. Again minor changes, more black feathers need integrating from hip pads up the bodysuit and a popper for the Devil's yolk at the back of the bodice. This looks so much like my design and looks as if she has crawled from the Earth as I planned. The headdress definitely adds to her stage presence which is fantastic, I am extremely satisfied with how it looks and moves. The hair needs to come off the shoulders a bit to expose the twig detailing but the headdress should help this.  

Reflection:


Despite some obvious mistakes and problems, overall the Parade was rather successful. There were issues with breaking down and supervision that also arose at this point. In the case of the trousers, but also the breaking down of the Old Man's Jacket where slashes were put into an item from the store. I am really ashamed this has happened under our hands and will know better next time that breaking down needs supervising and clear communication. Grace and I have sewn up the slashes made which has improved its appearance and the fullers earth will be brushed down so it isn't so obvious. I have learnt a valuable lesson from this about the importance of communication and how easy misunderstanding can occur. On a future occasion we would supervise any alterations etc to ensure they were completed as required and not to waste money and time. I am glad we have Dexter on hand from this point until the first performance to ensure that from now on this will not happen and we are professional and efficient in our remaining time, as well as helping us organise our Orchestra fittings.