KITTING OUT THE CAST

When I first took on the role of Head of Drama I really didn’t know what I was getting myself in for. I knew that it would be a lot of work whilst at work and in my spare time but I didn’t realise just how much. As a drama teacher I have always been there to help with the school plays and recitals – Now I’m organising them!

This year our school play is ‘Blood Brothers’ by Willy Russell. The students had a choice of a few plays to pick from but ‘Blood Brothers’ had been studied by a majority of them in year 10, so that came out on top.

One of the main things I was worried about when we started the arrangements was the costumes. We had access to all the lights and sound equipment, the media department was sorting the advertising and the Design Technology students were sorting the sets. We didn’t have a department that did anything clothing wise except textiles but even this was a little out of their league.

I had been given a certain budget for the costumes so I couldn’t get shop happy and buy everything I saw, I had to think about how many students there were, who had most stage time and who could possibly bring in their own clothes to wear.

Cheap women’s clothes are fairly accessible but when working with about 15 actors, even cheap adds up. I stumbled upon this great website called Everything5Pounds.com who as the name suggests, sells clothes for a fiver. I was browsing through their website when I found a blouse which was exactly what I was looking for. I quickly added 15 of them to my shopping basket and kept my fingers crossed they all fitted.

All the preparations are now in motion. The set is going up, the tickets are on sale and we have just started dress rehearsals. Our ensemble of ladies look absolutely brilliant in their costumes. Who knew cheap ladies clothes were so versatile?

I must admit, as much as doing the school play is a challenge I love doing it and secretly can’t wait for next year.