Our next fitting was with James who is playing Aronow. He is one of the less successful salesmen in the play, so we were looking for a conventional suit, not very fashionable and in a dark colour. We picked out a few suits from stock and one of them seems to fit the bill, Again, we managed to find shoes and ties from our stores so they are probably from the 80’s and look appropriately worn-in. James is in the other photo, alongside Jeanette holding his costume drawing.
Leigh is playing Linsk, and he is wearing a jacket and trousers rather than a suit, as he is a customer, rather than a salesman. We didn’t do quite so well for him, although we found a good jacket and some well fitting trousers. I’m just not sure that I want him in grey trousers so I may go into town and see if I can find anything I prefer. I think it’s really interesting that I can go shopping tomorrow and find clothes that would pass for as far back as the 50’s. That’s 60 years! People think that fashion changes much more quickly now than it used to and certainly there are lots of small changes like shorter skirts (for some women but not all!) and the fashion for wearing sports clothes for every day. But basically, I think we are in a loop and unless there is a significant social change, fashion will continue to revive the 60’s 70’s and 80’s for the foreseeable future. Good news for costume designers, in the absence of originals, we can pick up a copy.
Fitting Paul, who plays Williamson and John, who plays Moss, was good fun as they came over together and they make a great double act! John looked great in the first suit he tried and we found a shirt and tie to match, but we still need another shirt for scene two. Paul tried loads of suits before we found the winning entry – he just kept on looking too trendy! Some people wear their clothes well and it can be hard to make them look scruffy, with others it’s hard to make them look smart. So at the end of the day we have something for everyone, quite a few alterations to do and only a short shopping list. Next week we will be fitting the two guys who are having suits tailored – I’ll let you know how we get on.
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What a lot of dedication & skill go into a production before it's performed in front of the audience. i shall look more carefully at the set, props & costumes in future & think of all that effort. The audience isn't going to sleep through this show if even the designer jumps in her chair during the read-through! Sounds a great play - i wish all involved every success.
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