Thursday 15 May 2014

Jane Eyre – Bronte era costumes



Charlotte Bronte tells the life story of ten year old orphan, Jane Eyre who goes to live with her cruel and wealthy aunt, Mrs Reed.  

Jane is sent to Lowood school and is poorly treated by the head Mr Brockelhurst. She teaches there for two years before accepting a place as governess to a spoilt little French girl called Adele at Thornfield House and falls in love with landowner, Mr Rochester……………………

We have put together a delightful set of costumes for the stage version of this book, from Jane in her drab grey governess garb, the orphans in their shabby clothes and over- pinny’s, to the wealthy Mrs Reed, the stern Mr Brockelhurst and the handsome Mr Rochester.

With lots of petticoats, shawls, capes and bonnets we have created a really authentic look for this 19th century drama.

Tread the Boards drama group will be performing this superb tale on 12th, 13th and 14th June at the Chrysalis Theatre in Milton Keynes.

For more information on our costumes for period drama, visit www.admiralcostumes.co.uk or call 01908 372504.





Wednesday 14 May 2014

Blackadder



Blackadder has become a popular choice for drama groups throughout the UK wishing to capture the humour and emulate the hugely popular BBC 1980’s sitcom.

Written by Richard Curtis and Ben Elton, Blackadder is set in England during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.  The main character, Edmund, Lord Blackadder spends his time trying to win favour with the queen, but his schemes are aided and more often hindered by his less than intelligent servant Baldrick and the rather silly Lord Percy.

In the stage version, a young Kate disguises herself as ‘Bob’ to avoid her father’s wishes and ends up in court with Edmund. Edmund falls in love with ‘him’ and gets hilariously confused. He is eventually beaten by Lord Flashheart who elopes with Kate, dashing Edmunds plans.

A visit by Lord and Lady Whiteheart, the puritanical aunt and uncle of Edmund, coincides with a drinking competition with hilarious results.

We have some great costumes for this play and are delighted to be providing costumes for Adhoc Theatre’s production on 12 and 13th June.

For more information on our medieval costumes or specific costumes for Blackadder visit www.admiralcostumes.co.uk or call us on 01908 372504










Thursday 1 May 2014

Whodunnit – a comedy thriller by Anthony Shaffer



This brilliant and unusual little play opens with a taped message from the murderer telling the audience that what they are about to witness isn’t just another murder mystery.  The voice confesses that he/she is the murderer and they are to look and listen for clues to help them solve the case.

The entire play takes place in the library of Orcas Champflower Manor, a rather grand 18th century house, located somewhere in the south of England.  Six strangers and a butler have gathered for a dinner in a wealthy lawyers mansion during a thunderstorm.

We have thoroughly enjoyed putting together a set of suitable 1930’s costumes for each of the characters and sincerely thank Adhoc Theatre Group for the use of some of the wonderful photographs from their production.

For more information about our period costumes visit www.admiralcostumes.co.uk or call us on 01908 372504