ANIMAL CRACKERS

For the important animal roles in my pantomimes, such as Thomas the cat in ‘Dick Whittington’, the three bears, and Puss in the up-and-coming ‘Puss In Boots’ (watch this space!) etc., I always recommend face painting, rather than a full mask. Having the actor’s face visible helps with expressions, and allows him or her to create a character, even thought they may have no dialogue as such.

I suspect that when amateur societies present the musical ‘Cats’, they will use face paints, as per the original production. If it’s good enough for Andrew Lloyds Bank… !

A website devoted to musicals claims, when referring to 'Cats' ... it's the costume/ makeup and dynamic production concepts that hold everything together and make the show work.”

However, I recently happened upon some pictures of an amateur production of ‘Dick Whittington’ that featured the King Rat character dressed all in black, wearing a strange, pointed, full-head contrivance that made him look like a cross between a weird Womble, and someone about to dabble in the dark arts. The ‘cat’, which was sporting a macabre mask looked, if anything, even more sinister, and would have fitted in very well at the Hellfire Club, I reckon.

What are people thinking of when they use such ghastly get-ups? Don’t they know that pantomimes are supposed to be light and frothy and fun?

Personally, I would err on the side of making animal costumes as simple as possible, but then that might take a bit of creative thinking. My old art teacher once said that it’s not what you put into a picture, but what you leave out!

A company who presented my version of ‘Mother Goose’ asked me if I had any contacts for a good goose costume. Unfortunately I hadn’t, but I did a Google search to see if I could find some societies who had recently presented the show, and therefore might have one going cheap… or quack! Gerrit?

What a curious collection I came across… from the reblime to the subdiculous! Some were seriously scary! I suggested to the group that if they couldn’t find a sensible, suitable costume, keep it simple… and attractive. There might be a problem producing the golden eggs, but that shouldn’t be insurmountable… should it?

Let’s face it, however crafty and creative the costume, everyone knows that it’s not a real giant goose… don’t they?

A PLUG

My friends at Fabworks Mill Shop in Dewsbury have an amazing range of textiles and associated stuff that is ideal for theatrical use.

Their usual Opening hours are: Monday – Friday, 9am to 4pm.

You can contact them via e-mail at – sales@fabworks.co.uk

Tel: 01924 466031 Fax 01924 466029

Their website is – fabworks.co.uk

They are very friendly. Tell them G. Wizz sent ya!