Hectic life of panto costume designer in Cork!

IT’S midwinter, and the year is turning back towards the light!

Jack And The Beanstalk at the Opera House is ideal for anyone seeking to banish the winter blues, but booking is heavy for all performances, especially matinees, so do make sure of your tickets before it’s too late.

This year, the costumes are more spectacular than ever - but did you ever think of just how much goes into getting them onstage for you to marvel at? 

Muireann Doyle, the costume designer, knows only too well the work involved.

“I studied fashion design and worked in fashion for a year or so, then did a stint in costume and realised that there was a whole future to be had on that side of the spectrum,” she said.

Panto is totally different because fashion is one-off, always chasing the latest style, but for this the construction is very different.

“With dancers, for instance, you have to think of the energetic movements they make. I work with the choreographer from the start, so that I know what the challenges will be.

“I start designing the costumes around late August, shopping for fabrics in early September, and then getting into the actual making when rehearsals begin in October.

“You have to find the right materials. Bright colours that will show up well on stage yes, but also lots of Lycra, stretch fabrics, that will have the essential flexibility.”

Muireann is experienced in film and TV work as well as theatre.

“I partner with other designers too, say on big American jobs that might be shooting in Ireland,” she said.

“I was on a feature in Cork Gaol a couple of years ago, set in the 1800s (The Gates). Layers and layers of petticoats for the women - it took 15 20 minutes to dress some of the extras!”

With six professional dancers, a team of 19 teenagers, and three different teams of children, there was plenty to do before the first performance of Jack And The Beanstalk.

“I design the children’s ones so they can be easily adjustable to the different size of the kids,” said Muireann.

 “That way you avoid the cost of tripling costumes. But you’d always make an extra costume, just to be on the safe side.”

Laundering and mending are a constant task, and here costume co-ordinator Bethany Baker is responsible, along with her team of dressers.

“I do some of the dressing with Bethany,” says Muireann. 

“The dancers look after their own changes, but with Nanny Nellie we do quick changes in the wings. 

Then you need to keep an eye on maintenance, seams, and buttons, to make sure they will last the whole run of the show.

“Patsy the Cow has a foam shell and a big cow onesie, and those need to be dry-cleaned or hand- washed, but for daily things like tights and shirts, we have a daily laundry. And we have a box of spares in the dressing room ready for those who’ve lost something at the last minute. Plus, of course, safety pins, needles and thread on hand at all times!”

Gosh, just spare a thought for all that when you are enjoying the glorious costumes from the comfort of your seat!

The last three shows of The Improvised Panto in its late night slot at the Opera House are tonight, tomorrow and Saturday, December 23 at 10.30pm. All heavily booked, but still a few seats available. All Opera House bookings on 021 427 0022 or www.corkoperahouse.ie.

The Everyman is getting packed houses for Beauty And The Beast, and that’s not surprising, since it’s stuffed full of fun with talking teapots, singing candlesticks and clever clocks, as well as music, dance, and that great heart-warming story of the power of love. Booking up fast though, especially the matinees, so don’t delay! 021 4501673 or www.everymancork.com

May the festive season bring you joy and happiness. Merry Christmas to all!