This video is also from the 2006 Whitehorse Musical Theatre Production of Beauty and the Beast.

In the number “Gaston”, there are only human characters. Even though this was a nice break from all of the “creature” outfits we had to make, there was still a lot of work involved.

Every costume was made from scratch. This is included hats, shirts, trousers/breeches, waistcoats, jackets, bodices you name it. We even bought or had boots made especially – a very costly but very effective thing to do. I always think that a lot of costumers forget the shoes. It more than likely comes down to budget restraints in amateur companies, but you will find that some large companies – for example The Melbourne Theatre Company- often don’t put the time into footwear that they should and as a result end up with a slap-dash finish. I know I am going to get crucified for saying that but hey, it’s only my opinion.

Keeping to a “Disney-esque” style, I mixed periods a little in Beauty and the Beast. I tried to stay mainly around a cartoon version of an eighteenth century look. The Villagers and the “Silly Girls” are basically 18th century combined with some modern fabrics and hairstyles. You will find touches of the Victorian period all through as well as some Elizabethan styles among some of the male villagers. This doesn’t always work I guess, but I think that by using similar fabrics and colours, I was able to create a “familiar” look set in a “non-period”. Obviously this is only suitable for certain shows, but it was something I enjoyed doing and look forward to doing again. I think that in a lot of musicals, period accuracy doesn’t always have to be the most important element of a costume design.

I have to say an enormous thank you to Shane Munsen, who – as well as playing the role of Gaston- styled an enormous number of the wigs for me.  While I am on the topic, this show wouldn’t have come abouts without the help of a lot of my friends who gave their time and talent to make this show look great. You know who you are.