Theatrical costumes and headdresses are on show

Amateur Theatrical Costume has been put together by Hastings resident Irene Poole and runs until the annual closure of the Egerton Road museum in December.

The catwalk exhibition is a display of headdresses and costumes made for amateur dance, acrobatic and theatrical performances over the last 20 years.

Theatrical costumes greatly enhance a performance, helping those who wear them to characterise their role and act as a visual aid for the audience.

In contrast to professional theatre companies, amateur dramatic and dance groups generally have limited budgets for costumes. Creative sourcing and imaginative use of materials are needed to produce an authentic result.

Pieces in this exhibition were created using a variety of materials, mostly reused and recycled.

Garments and accessories from charity shops, car boot sales, inexpensive market stalls or value stores were sourced to get maximum theatrical effect at low-cost.

Their suitability for purpose reflects the time taken to research each costume and match it to the performance for which it was required.

Irene says that for dance and acrobatic roles, ease of movement, the effectiveness of the costume in motion and the safety element all need to be taken into account.

“The directors and choreographers will have a vision for the piece, including music, lighting and positioning. “Stage accessibility for the performers is an important factor, as are the need for costume changes to be extremely quick.”

Irene says that in producing the costumes and headdresses, every requirement must be considered from conception, through to design and creation.

“Perhaps the most valuable attributes of a theatrical costume creator are ability to source materials, a vivid imagination, time and patience – though time is often a luxury.”

LEFT: One of the headdresses on show