Guys and Dolls at Milton Keynes Theatre

Admiral Costumes are delighted to be associated with Mk Stage Experience and their superb production of Guys and Dolls staged at Milton Keynes Theatre this week.

150 talented young performers aged between 9 and 18 have worked together over the past 2 weeks to produce a truly professional show.

The remarkable choreography managed to smoothly arrange for 150 youngsters to enter and exit the stage and perform dance numbers under the confines of the stage and set. Clever use of the stairs through the audience meant that all performers had their chance to tread the boards.

Some strong performances from the lead youngsters, many from local schools, proves that we have lots of talent locally and some great performers to look out for in the future.

It was truly amazing to see over 50 of our costumes on stage at any one time for the crowd scenes and dance numbers. Costumes provided included coats, hats, dresses, skirts, police uniforms and suits suitable for life in 1950’s America.

For more information on our 50’s costumes please call us on 01908 372504 or visit our website www.admiralcostumes.co.uk

 

70's chic in Vintage Life Magazine

The latest edition of Vintage Life Magazine is out today where we will be credited for the gorgeous 70's photoshoot that appeared in last month's issue.

The shoot took place against the fabulous backdrop of Ella May's Vintage Caravan, with expert styling from The Dandelion House.

We have in excess of 100 original 70's quality outfits suitable for films, theatrical crowd scenes and close up photography.

For more information give us a call on 01908 372504, visit our website, or come and browse our store in Newton Longville, Milton Keynes.

www.admiralcostumes.co.uk

Waistcoats for Barber Shop

Five bespoke red and white striped waistcoats, fully lined with brass buttons are now complete and on their way to Birmingham for a Barber shop Quintet.

Teamed with a straw boater with red ribbon trim, handlebar moustache and red satin bow tie, the combination makes a stunning outfit.

For more waistcoats to either hire or buy, contact Admiral Costumes on 01908 372504 or visit our website http://www.admiralcostumes.co.uk/?page_id=752

 

 

60’s photo shoot at The London Palladium

It was a privilege to use the bar area at The London Palladium this week for our 60’s photo shoot.

The outfits looked stunning against the dramatic backdrop of the spiral staircase and posters of shows dating back to the 1960’s and before.

Our models Joanne Bridge, Emma Housley and Anthony Whiteman not only wore authentic 60’s clothing and accessories from our store, but had their hair and make up professionally styled and applied by Katie Oropallo, who performed a fantastic transformation, transporting them back to the 60’s with beehive hairdo’s, heavy black eye makeup, false eyelashes and pale lipstick.

Joanne’s first outfit comprised of a pale blue crepe, shift dress with green velvet and pearl trim worn with wrist length white gloves with open pattern. With the heavy eyeliner, beehive hairstyle and headscarf, Joanne looked a typical example of 60’s chic.

The pink open appliqué David Gibbon dress has a two tone satin lining and looked absolutely gorgeous teamed with a pair of cerise tights and nude shoes.

Emma looked radiant in two lovely cotton shift day dresses worn with pale tights and later in a gorgeous vintage black velvet cocktail dress with faux leopard skin swing back fur coat by Royal Castor. Her beehive bob and drawn on underlashes looked superb with pale lipstick and gave her an authentic 60’s chick look.

Anthony looked incredibly dashing in fawn slacks, brown patterned shirt and sleeveless wool pullover worn with a straw trilby style hat. Later for the evening he donned black trousers with burgundy velvet jacket and cravat.

A big thank you to Joanne Bridge, Emma Housley, and Anthony Whiteman for being such fabulous models, Katie Oropallo for the stunning hair and make up, Lewis Bridge for taking the portfolio of pictures and Victoria Hinde for directing the shots.

For fabulous authentic 60’s wear for photo shoots, films, drama productions or parties,

call 01908 372504 www.admiralcostumes.co.uk

Photo Shoot

Scarlet, white, colours bright,
Camera clicks, flashes light.
Looks enrapture,
Image captured
Nips and tucks out of sight.

Satin and lace, made-up face,

Peeping toe and cupids bow,
Pulses race, pose with grace
Head held high, hands low.
 

Curving stair,

Shoulder bare,
Swish of fabric,
Curling hair.
A glance, a look,
Picture took.

Lights hot, beauty spot,

Another pose – that’s the shot!
Focus mute
Looking cute

Admiral Costumes photo shoot

www.admiralcostumes.co.uk

Anything Gladys can do, I can do better!

Last Thursday I decided that it was high time that I gave Gladys the day off and model a superb vintage 60’s dress myself. After all, Gladys has done an awful lot of modelling recently and it’s only fair to take my turn.

I had the wonderful opportunity of joining our 60’s fashion shoot on location in the gorgeous bar area at The London Palladium and having my hair and make up styled and applied by Katie Oropallo, currently wig stylist for the Wizard of Oz.

Having never had a ‘make over’ before, it was with some trepidation that I allowed Katie to severely back comb my hair at the top to create height and to roll the rest of it at the back into a French pleat, so popular in the 60’s. A floral headband was tied around my head to complete the look.

Katie rose to the challenge of applying thick black eye liner  and enormous eyelashes to my twitching eyelids that I just couldn’t keep still, pink blusher to my hot cheeks and pale pink lipstick completed the transformation from a 21^st century shop proprietor to 60’s chic.

I quickly slipped into a gorgeous navy blue shift dress with yellow and pink floral pattern and boat neck, which is fully lined to hang beautifully.

Against the backdrop of the bar area, I was superbly directed by Victoria Hinde to produce some surprisingly good shots despite this being completely out of my comfort zone.

I left the shoot to the professionals, who did a wonderful job in bringing my vintage 60’s clothing to life. Their acting skills have given the pictures an added dimension and we now have a portfolio of fabulous shots which we will be using over the next few months.

For more information on our authentic 60’s clothing, give us a call on 019008 372504

Masked Ball Photo shoot at The London Palladium

The bar at The London Palladium made a fantastic location for our masked ball photo shoot this week.  The superb wrought iron spiral staircase with plush dusky pink carpet made a suitably regal background for our full length ball gowns beautifully modelled by Lisa Bridge and Emma Housley.

Lisa wore a cream taffeta ball gown with back button detail, frills around the neckline and full puffed sleeves, together with a pair of cream long length vintage buttoned gloves.

Emma looked stunning in a voluptuous red satin, full skirted, off the shoulder ball gown with rose detail on the low collar.

Both models looked absolutely gorgeous in a variety of poses with the masks and were joined by Anthony Whiteman looking dashing in breeches, waistcoat and braided jacket.

Hair and make up was expertly styled and applied by Katie Oropallo with Lisa’s hair being set in rollers before being back combed to give height and rolled at the sides to complete the style.

Emma’s white wig matched beautifully with the natural pale make up, cupids bow lip detail and beauty spot.

A big thank you to Lisa Bridge, Emma Housley, and Anthony Whiteman for being such fabulous models, Katie Oropallo for the stunning hair and make up, Lewis Bridge for taking the portfolio of pictures and Victoria for directing the shots.

For a gorgeous selection of ball gowns and masks suitable for masked balls, then do contact Admiral Costumes www.admiralcostumes.co.uk

Guys and Dolls

A great Broadway musical written by Damon Runyon with music and lyrics by Frank Loesser.

Set in 1950’s New York, it tells the story of Sergeant Sarah Brown, of the Save a Soul Mission, who is vainly trying to spread the Word, and make a difference to the sin and depravity of the streets, full of tipsters, gamblers and con men.

The central characters are Adelaide, who is a showgirl who is desperate to settle down and Nathan Detroit, trying to find yet another new location for his floating dice game.

Admiral Costumes have a great selection of clothing suitable for this production, from the news seller, chorus girl and gamblers to the missionary and the band.

We have American police officers, American suits, gangsters, ladies suits, show girl dresses, circular skirts, net petticoats and trilby’s suitable for large productions.

Do give us a call if you are putting on this show and let us help you make your show special.

http://www.admiralcostumes.co.uk/?page_id=24

Cabaret

Cabaret is a musical based on a book written by Chrisopher Isherwood, with music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb.

It is based on the short novel Goodbye to Berlin and is set in 1931 Berlin just as the Nazis are rising to power. The play focuses on nightlife at the seedy Kit Kat Klub and revolves around the 19-year-old English cabaret performer, Sally Bowles and her relationship with the young american writer, Cliff Bradshaw.

A sub-plot involves the doomed romance between German boarding house owner Fräulein Schneider and her elderly suitor Herr Schultz. Overseeing the action is the Master of Ceremonies at the Kit Kat Klub which serves as a constant metaphor for the tenuous and threatening state of late Weimar Germany throughout the show.

Admiral Costumes have a wonderful selection of costumes suitable for this show including, matching tailcoats with sequinned lapels, sparkly waistcoats, glamorous show dresses, nazi uniforms and 1930’s daytime and evening wear.

Give us a call on 01908 372504 if you are producing Cabaret and come and see what we can offer to make your show amazing.

www.admiralcostumes.co.uk

Ode to Gladys

Working with Gladys is always a pleasure,

Her sweet personality an undisputed treasure.
The fact that she’s mute, makes my joy absolute,
And her value to me beyond measure

Don’t be fooled by her neat size 8 trim,

Her look of disdain says she’s prim.
Her calico body and oatmeal rump sewn,
Disguises the fact she has a mind of her own.

She can be haughty and naughty, foolish or wild,

Manly or grown up, silly or child

Go talk to Gladys you have nothing to lose,

Gladys can be any mood that you choose.
If things are not going as well as they ought to,
Gladys is there come hell or high water

You can shout at Gladys,
Abuse her with pins.
You can shake her and punch her,
She’ll always let you win.
She’ll just settle back, absorb all the flack,
Silently take it and won’t answer back.

Whatever she dons vintage or style,

She’ll carry it off with panache and guile.
Whether in a ball gown or chintz,
Military or prince,
She’ll wear it with elegance and a smile.

Clown, soldier who cares? Nightwear who dares?

Gladys looks fabulous whatever she wears.

When you are down with all your stresses and strife,

You definitely need a Gladys in your life.
Come and meet Gladys a mate you can trust,
A true friend and colleague, my mute vintage bust

@ Admiral Costumes

www.admiralcostumes.co.uk

My extraordinary life by a stylish black wool Susan Small dress

Designed by Susan Small, I was manufactured in Britain in the early 1960’s, proud to be produced by such a well known fashion house that was best known for party dresses and evening wear.

I was definitely a cut above the rest as I posed in the window in Bazaar one of the trendiest shops on the King Road, competing with Mary Quant and the other dresses alongside me in the window by Laura Phillips and Blanes.

Imagine my delight when after a really short time, I was tried on by a delightful young trendsetter from Hampstead, packaged carefully in tissue paper and taken to her home ready for my foray into the exciting life of London.

My understated style and expensive trimmings made me the perfect little black dress of the day for formal and stylish functions. I found myself at lunches, art galleries and shopping in other stylish shops in Oxford Street.

I didn’t stay long with my first owner, she was far too fashionable to wear the same item more than once, so I was passed on to her sister’s friend, who having married young, was short of cash and happy to accept any designer cast offs.

I was much loved here and spent many an hour at parties, dinners and special occasions. Sadly I became out of favour as the dress lengths and styles got longer again in the 70’s and I was relegated to the dressing up box, which was great fun, but a bit uncomfortable at times. I felt a bit shabby and tired and was relieved to be finally packed carefully and put in a suitcase.

 I must have spent several decades in a loft, but emerged unscathed to be unceremoniously dumped at the door of a charity shop in a carrier bag. I was ironed rather badly and hung limply on a rail for a few weeks, before being bought by a lady who thought she was smaller than she was. The zip stubbornly refused to pass over her hips and so I was given away again.

 I was delighted to find myself hanging alongside other dresses similar to myself at last at a vintage fair. I met up with a Simon Massey number and brushed shoulders with a lovely pale blue satin Kitty Copeland mini dress.

It wasn’t long before I was snapped up again and the excitement of being pulled out in a theatrical costume store and realising that possibly my life had only just begun, made me pull my threads in and push my label out – after all there are not many of us original Susan Smalls around these days.

Now I have been lovingly refreshed – I smell and look superb. I have been on stage in dramas set in the 50’s, I have been out to parties again and most recently I have been teamed with a Peter Bentley Hat for a vintage special occasion.

Vintage is in again and I look forward to being hired by a new set of 21^st century stylish women that appreciate a good cut and the quality and history associated with wearing a true British gown.

For a fantastic selection of vintage wear for hire, please contact Admiral Costumes on 01908 372504
www.admiralcostumes.co.uk

Back Stage at The London Palladium

I was very excited to be invited back stage at the London Palladium this week to take a look at the marvellous costumes designed for the cast of The Wizard of Oz.

I was enthralled to have a privileged visit to the exclusive dressing  room shared by the chorus cast of Emerald City and some of the Munchkins.

The dressing room was classic and quite compact with each performer having their own work space in front of their own light bulb surrounded mirror.

The beautiful costumes were neatly hung on rails in order, ready for donning before each show. Every emerald city outfit was unique to the other, cleverly designed and worn with bejewelled headdresses and spangled shoes.

The Munchkin clothes were all in various shades and patterns of the same blue with fascinating details like floral fabric covered buttons and lace cuffs.

In the wig department I met the talented ladies who spend hours each day preparing the many wigs that are used during each performance. The witch alone has 4 different wigs and each one takes quite a bashing during the show when she is up on her broomstick or wearing a hat. The wigs are painstakingly re-curled and styled to look pristine once again for the audiences.

The back stage crew were carrying out their daily check of the revolving stage and backdrops. There are a huge amount of stage movements in this show and the stage splits and slides smoothly and silently each time. The yellow brick road moves quite quickly and the stage is quite immense close up.

It was wonderful to see the scenery up close, Dorothy’s cabin, the poppy fields and the yellow brick road in particular. The props were great too and all strategically placed in readiness for the show.

The costume department was of particular interest to me of course and it was great to see the activity in a professionally run costume department. The washing machines were on, and the on going repairs that are necessary on a daily basis were all underway in readiness for the next show, ensuring that the costumes always look magnificent.

All the costumes are stunning and I was delighted to see Dorothy’s dress and the scarecrow. My particular favourite was one of the red guard coats which are quilted and heavy and can get extremely hot under the lights.

The London Palladium is a lovely theatre and is quite different when empty when you can see the dusky pink seating and ornate balconies.

The costumes are soon to be packed up and sent to Canada where The Wizard of Oz will be appearing next. The Wizard of Oz is only showing here in London for a few more weeks, so do book some tickets – it’s a fabulous show.

A big thank you to the cast of the London Palladium for my backstage tour – it was wonderful.

Lederhosen take a trip to the Olympics

It never ceases to amaze me what our costumes get up to and the truly exciting venues they attend.

This week two pairs of our authentic leather Austrian lederhosen complete with scarves and tyrolean hats with feathers, went on a trip with some young lads heading off to the Olympic Park in Stratford.

The superb lederhosen comprising leather buttoned shorts and woven braces with leather straps are often on stage as part of our costume set for the Sound of Music, but the opportunity to cheer on Germany in the mens hockey at London Olympics 2012, was a once in a lifetime opportunity not to be missed.

The lederhosen are a popular choice for fancy dress parties and events and were recently asked to be part of a Bavarian brass band at a beer festival.

They really do lead a more exciting lifestyle than the average punter!

For more information on our authentic international costumes, please give us a call on

01908 372504 and check our website for details. www.admiralcostumes.co.uk

Tie Breaker

Big ties
Small ties
Spotty, striped and bootlace ties

Ones with spots

Some with dots
Stripes and diamonds
Lots and lots

Oatmeal fawn

Pastel, lawn
Ties to impress from dusk until dawn

Navy twill

Khaki drill
Patterns that could make you ill

Black red or white

Dark plain or light
Kippers for daytime
Bows for night

Wide, thin or frayed

From any decade
A tie is a statement, a great accolade

To: Admiral Costumes

01908 372504

http://www.admiralcostumes.co.uk/?page_id=4698

50 Shades…

Our wonderful collection of vintage sunglasses is available for hire. Choose from amazing 1950’s heart shaped pastel shades or large movie star style glasses with tortoiseshell frames.

We have black and neon frames for an 80’s Bananarama look and for the 60’s blue, pink or green lennon style round wire framed shades.

Sunglasses are a must have accessory when dressing in summer clothing from the 20^th century decades and we have plenty of styles to choose from.

Call Admiral Costumes on 01908 372504