Jack and the Beanstalk Costumes

 We love panto season and one of our very favourites is Jack and the Beanstalk.

With Jack and Jill living with their mother (Dame) in a tiny cottage and the hilarious banter with Silly Billy and Daisy the cow, we love getting the pantomime 4 piece cow costume out again and the chorus villager outfits.

From the farmer in his smock and floppy hat to the prince and other royals in their fine attire, we have everything you need to make your pantomime a success.

Give us a call for more information and to discuss your needs.

James and The Giant Peach Costumes

When James Henry Trotter's parents get tragically killed by an escaped Rhino, James moves in with his  dreadful Aunts, Spiker and Sponge.

Everyone loves Roald Dahl's amazing stories and James and the Giant Peach is definitely one of the nations favourites, with James' fantastic adventure inside a giant peach and all the strange creatures he encounters within.

We were so excited to prepare a set of costumes for a school production in London with all the 'insects' portrayed in humanoid form, with just a nod to the creature that they represented.

Ladybird sported a red polka dot dress and cape with a hat and goggles, Grasshopper was dressed in a green tailcoat and shiny waistcoat, Silkworm was swathed in gold silk and centipede looked really cool in a teddy boy jacket with a sash of 'boots' and a top hat with steam punk goggles.

Aunt Sponge and Aunt Spiker were suitably dressed in sinister granny type clothes, with lots of dark layers and hats with net.

Unfortunately, due to copyright restrictions, we have no pictures of the costumes in action, however here are some images of our favourite costumes that we put together for this show.

For more information on our bespoke costume service, please call 01908 372504 or e-mail us at admiralcostumes@btconnect.com

Bespoke costumes for events and film

Do you need a unique or bespoke costume for your event?

Admiral Costumes has a store full of unique costumes and clothing items from all eras available for hire. These superb quality costumes are suitable for stage, events, examinations and film.

However if you are on tour or would like your own made to measure outfit or wardrobe for yourself or your group, than look no further.

You can buy individual or cast costumes for musical groups or quartets, bespoke dresses or outfits for street theatre and events.  Matching items for chorus members and wonderful outfits for 40s events and themed parties.

Just give us a call with your design ideas and we will do our best to create what you are looking for at very reasonable rates.

We have recently supplied velvet scottish widows cloaks, bespoke and barber shop waistcoats, matching shift dresses for a handmaids tale, victorian aprons, childrens viking and urchin costumes, landgirl dungarees, tudor wear and a dress for Nell Gwynn.

If you would like us to make or source an outfit for you, then give us a call on 01908 372504 or e-mail admiralcostumes@btconnect.com

Isolation Musicals - Six

The six wives of Henry VIII strut their stuff in this hugely popular musical that has been on tour throughout the UK before the lockdown.

We so loved the energy, the music and the costumes which are almost
'steam punk' and having lots of this style of costume in store, we couldn't wait to emulate the gorgeous costumes of the characters in the show.

Lisa Bridge chose a short copper and black striped skirt with fish net tights and chunky boots. We added a gold waspie belt, lace sequinned bra top and studded shoulder armour. We used a punk accessory for the leather armlet and a punk choker pinned into the hair for a 'crown' . A black wig was restyled into 2 rolled pigtails.

I opted for a cerise and black stripes short skirt and top combo, topped with a black satin jacket with ruched sleeves. An black satin underskirt and waspie belt set it off nicely and looked great with some black lace leggings and boots. I absolutely adored the massive bouncy ponytail with pink chiffon scarf and didnt' want to take it off!

Filmed in front of the garden shed in lockdown in front of an old pair of curtains and hairbrushes as mikes, we present... 

Isolation musicals - Six

For more information on our range of fantastic costumes please visit 

www.admiralcostumes.co.uk

Where can I get a stick on beard?

Stick on beards and moustaches are great fun.  They can transform your look in seconds and really enhance a fancy dress costume.

Whilst in lock down and face-timing some family members, I happened to spy a stick on moustache on my desk. It was quite superb, a black handle bar job.  I quickly popped it on and of course it caused an absolute riot with everyone.

It occurred to me then that perhaps others may like to lighten up a zoom meeting or family face-time call and have a bit of fun for a change.

Birthdays in isolation can be grim, but wouldn't it be great fun to send a gift box of beards and insist of seeing them all in action?

Why not order one of our beard boxes for zoom and have it delivered to a friend?

For only £22.00 you get 5 beard items; a multi pack of at least seven stick on moustaches of various styles, a quality large beard, a medium beard, a smaller beard or tache and a single moustache. The pack is excellent value and includes carriage and packing.

For more information please contact us admiralcostumes@btconnect.com or check out our website for more options on wigs and facial hair.

Why not dress -up for your next Zoom party?

During the lock down nearly everyone I know is using zoom, not only for work meetings, but for catching up with family and friends.


Zoom is a brilliant way for you to be able to take part in a quiz, group chat or have a party whilst in isolation.


Because most users display just the head and shoulders at these link ups, the dress-up set makes an ideal cost effective fancy dress outfit that works really well on screen photo booth style.


Why not entertain yourselves with some photo booth selfies? And get a set sent directly to your family and friends before your next zoom meeting,


There are lots of sets to choose from; Doctor, detective, cat, 50s, 80s, magician, hawaian and many more, so order here: costume-sets-for-zoom on- line now or e-mail us at admiralcostumes@btconnect.com

Zoom Party Box

Birthday’s do not have to be forgotten.  Why not arrange a zoom meeting for friends and family and make it into a party? 


Order your dress up set now costume-sets-for-zoom


Or send a special zoom party box to the birthday boy or girl as a unique gift idea. 


Our Zoom Party Box makes a fun gift for birthday’s and anniversaries during isolation. We have several themes; pirate, cowboys and Indians, princess and a random beard box.


Bespoke boxes are also available and can be gift wrapped, just let us know your theme.



For more information please visit our website www.admiralcostumes.co.uk 

Isolation Musicals – The Waitress

Having never seen this show,  I absolutely love this song and now cannot get it out of my head.


Due to the current circumstances, The Waitress has now closed in the West End, but we wanted to keep it alive with our rendition of ‘Bad Idea’


Here I am hamming it up as Dr Jim with my daughter Lisa Bridge starring as Jenna.


I actually raided my husband’s wardrobe for most of my outfit, but the gorgeous waitress dress from our store was perfect for Jenna – we just added a little badge.


The wigs are something else ……


Filmed within the backdrop and confines of our kitchen, we thought this could be taken as a diner.


We hope you enjoy ……

Isolation Musicals - Maria Sound of Music

Here we are; one owner of Admiral Costumes - costumier and supplier of theatrical costumes and Fancy Dress to schools and theatres throughout the UK; and my daughter Lisa Bridge, West End Performer who until last week was in Only Fools and Horses the musical.

With Only Fools and Horses theatre darkened until further notice and all shows cancelled throughout the UK, we have a west end performer and a costumier in total lockdown.

In the space of a week we suddenly find ourselves with no work, no phone calls, no plans, no shows, no costume making, no rehearsals, no income and no life.

The diary gets wiped - it is a total shock.

But hey, aren't we so lucky?  We have each other and a shed load of costumes.

This is what happens when you leave two creatives locked up together with time on their hands ......

A series of 'Isolation Musicals'

Enjoy!

Isolation Musicals - Grease

Day 1 - Grease

As theatres go dark and productions are cancelled up and down the UK, it is vital that performers and theatre associated companies explore every avenue to keep their customers and audience members entertained during the lock down.

Never has entertainment been so necessary and it will be the creative amongst us who devise ingenious ways of amusing ourselves and the public.

The industry has been turned on its head - instead of punters going to the entertainment, the entertainment has to go to the punter.  This is not easy but it is amazing what can be achieved through social media, youtube and blogging.

As the proprietor of Admiral Costumes I have been unbelievably lucky to be in isolation with my daughter, west end performer, Lisa Bridge, in total lockdown with a huge store of costumes.

we have been amusing ourselves with a series of 'Isolation Musicals' filmed around the house using everyday items from the home.

So far we have made two minute clips from The Sound of Music, West Side Story, The Waitress and Grease with a request for Sweeny Todd.

We hope this will entertain our customers and business partners, whilst showcasing our range of superb costumes.

Putting a smile on peoples faces during this unprecedented time.

More videos and pictures can be seen on our facebook page @AdmiralcostumesMK and website  www.admiralcostumes.co.uk

The Drowsy Chaperone

The DrowsyChaperone is a show within a show with upbeat jazz numbers set in 1928.


The show opens with the ‘Man in the chair’ playing his favourite album and commenting on the musical as it progresses and is acted out for real on the stage in his living room.


So clever with catchy tunes and a wonderful variety of costumes, the Drowsy Chaperone is a fun and raucous production with over the top characters and witty dialogue.


Main character in the show is Janet Van de Graaf who gives up her showbiz career to marry Robert. Her number ‘Show Off’ has an incredible four quick changes which requires a lot of planning and practice.


Starting off in a beach kimono and wrap, she steps out of this with a clever turn to reveal a 20s short dress with petal detail, the petal belt is removed and she dances around for a while in the dress.  A large umbrella conceals her as she magically changes into a colourful 20s dress and then a quick stop off stage to change into a swimsuit. After that a fringed robe is added and the song ends. 

Then, the reprise – she reappears for a final long note with a fur wrap. Phew!


Other characters include the sultry Drowsy Chaperone, Aldolpho a magician like character, Trix the aviator and the rather old fashioned Mrs Tottendale.


With monkeys, colourful Asian costumes and spangly aviator number and four weddings, this show has it all.


For more information on our range of costumes for this show do give us a call on 
01908 372504 or check out our website www.admiralcostumes.co.uk

The Mikado

Everyone loves The Mikado, probably the most popular of Gilbert and Sullivan's operettas. With lovely bright costumes and set, witty lyrics and catchy tunes, The Mikado is fun for all involved.

Larger casts can easily add extra chorus in brightly coloured kimonos and Chinese style hats.

We so enjoyed costuming a set of wonderful Chinese style costumes for Buckingham Choral's production.

The three little maids looked wonderful in long floral kimonos with large padded sash and geisha style wigs.

The formidable High executioner wore black robes and wielded a large axe, Nanky Poo wore a poor wrap around tunic and the emperor looked majestic in some rich robes with gold accessories.

All of these costumes are available for hire at reasonable rates and we also have costumes for The Gondoliers, Iolanthe, Princess Ida and the Pirates of Penzance.

Call us now at Admiral Costumes on 01908 372504 to book the costumes that you need.

Here are some lovely images from Buckingham Choral

A Tomb With A View

Thoroughly enjoyed A Tomb With A View, a macabre comedy thriller by Norman Robbins.
https://www.samuelfrench.co.uk/a/4643/norman-robbins/

LeightonBuzzard Drama Group did a fabulous job of making all the odd and rather scary characters come to life and revealed the bizarre story of their demise.


Admiral costumes are delighted to have provided costumes for this play which is set in the 1930s in the ancestral home of the Tomb family.


The scene is set in the library of Monument House where Penworthy, the family solicitor, reads out the will of the late Mr Tomb.  Penworthy dresses very grandly in a smart tailcoat, morning trousers, waistcoat and spats.


Lucien Tomb the eldest rather bombastic sibling and inheritor, is dressed eccentrically in tweed breeches, jacket and wool mustard waistcoat.


Emily tomb is quite masculine and adopts a loud suit and garish brightly checked waistcoat.


Dora, another of the nutty sisters flambuoyantly dresses in floaty 1930s wear with lots of jewels and feathers,


Monica Tomb, the younger flirty sister, dresses more provocatively in a black and gold 30s beaded evening dress and polka dot day dress, setting her sights on the unsuspecting Peregrine Potter.


Other characters in this charming play include a nurse and a housekeeper.


We love costuming period plays like this and have a wonderful selection of 30s wear to choose from including sports wear, underwear, coats and hats to make your production have that authentic feel.


For information on our period costumes for drama, please contact us at Admiral Costumes on 01908 372504

Want to be the best dressed at Goodwood?

At 3.00 pm every day of the Goodwood Revival festival, a selection of the best dressed of the day are paraded and a winner selected by the panel.


Outfits need to be unique and authentic looking with an emphasis on style and at AdmiralCostumes we have a fine selection of clothing from the 40s and 50s suitable for this event.


Many visitors attending the revival and the festival of speed, dress in styles of the day ranging from the 1940’s through to the 70’s. Most popular outfits are from the 1940’s and 50’s with vintage and classic car owners dressing in clothing to suit their vehicle.


The Goodwood nine hours race and the revival is the only race meeting in the world staged entirely in the nostalgic time capsule of the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s.


Admiral Costumes have a fantastic selection of unique vintage and retro clothing suitable for wearing to the Goodwood Revival. Choose from military uniform or civilian wear in a choice of style to suit you.


Our regular customers like to select and book their outfits well in advance to get first pick of the outfits on offer, hoping for a chance to get into the best dressed category at the show.


For more information visit our website or give us a call on 01908 372504

Costumes for Schools

Here at Admiral Costumes we hold a massive stock of costumes for schools ready and waiting for your next school production.


For many children, the school play has become the highlight of the school calendar, with music, dancing and dressing up in a fun and lively atmosphere.


In this digital age, drama creates a wonderful opportunity to socialise and interact with friends outside of the classroom. Students can hone their singing and dancing skills, practice stage management and gain confidence in many transferable skills that are required for later in life.


School productions have become extremely professional with the inclusion of theatre skills, front of house, back-stage work, props and of course the digital sound and lighting techniques that are used in theatre today.


Most musicals and plays are set in a past time and this gives the students an opportunity to not only learn about the clothing that was worn during that period, but a chance to wear it as well.


Admiral Costumes can supply you with period and theatrical costumes for any era or genre in large quantities for your school production or drama group with a large cast.


Popular shows that we constantly supply our customers with are; The Sound of Music, Guys and Dolls, Daisy Pulls it Off, Annie, Les Miserables, Oliver and many more.  In line with the curriculum we also supply Accrington Pals, oh What  Lovely War and Journey’s End which are set in WW1, The Crucible and WW2 costumes for forties events.

More pictures of our costumes 4 schools can be seen here; 

https://www.admiralcostumes.co.uk/costume-hire/childrens/costumes-for-schools/
https://www.admiralcostumes.co.uk/costume-hire/childrens/costumes-for-schools/


If you have a show coming up and need some costumes, then do give us a call on 01908 372504.  We can work to all budgets and can send you a costume list to get you started.


E-mail us for friendly advice on your costume requirements on admiralcostumes@btconnect.com we love to help.

The Bow Street Society at Admiral Costumes

The Bow Street Society are a fictional group of amateur detectives taking on cases for clients that the police have no interest in.

Set in Victorian London, the books detail the decor, lifestyle and clothing in great detail, making it easy to emulate the characters with similar costumes from our store.

T G Campbell's latest book, The Case of the Curious Client is launched this month and a wonderfully authentic film clip and stills have been produced in the parlour at Milton Keynes Museum.

We had great fun dressing Mr Baldwin and Miss Trent in suitable costumes for their characterisations in the shoot.

For more information on our wonderful range of Victorian attire for both rich and poor, please contact Admiral Costumes on 01908 372504.

Our victorian style costumes are available in arange of sizes and styles and have been recently hired for Oliver,  Olney Victorian Fair, Milton Keynes Museum Christmas, Victorian wedding and Dickens - A Christmas Carol.

Barber Shop Waistcoats

Are you in a musical group or Barber Shop quartet looking for traditional striped waistcoats to wear in corporate colours or to enhance your stage presence? then contact us at Admiral Costumes where we have a splendid selection of striped waistcoats in stock for hire.

Bright striped waistcoats suitable for events, selling ice-creams and popcorn are available in a wide range of sizes for adults and children.

Waistcoats can be made to measure in a colour of your choice for dance groups, stage or company get together.

Over 20 red butcher stripe fully lined waistcoats are available for hire from stock, complete with matching bow tie and straw boater. 

All our waistcoats have the stripes on the back and the front for added impact and can be made in butcher stripe, candy stripe or toothbrush stripe to suit your requirements.

For more information on our striped waistcoats call us at Admiral Costumes on 01908 372504 or visit www.admiralcostumes.co.uk

Costumes for drama examinations

Got a drama examination coming up?  Do you need some costumes to bring your role to life?

Costuming the character is now an integral part of many drama and theatrical studies examinations. Gaining those extra few marks for interpretation is vital to make sure you get a high mark and gain your qualification.

Here at Admiral Costumes we can help you select an appropriate costume and accessories to complement your song and drama choice ensuring your examination success.

A great costume really helps to get you into character, a magnificent dress for example makes you stand and walk differently.  A tailcoat and top hat cannot help but make you feel grand and a military jacket just makes you act like a soldier.

With over 75 rails of costume items to choose from, we can help you select a truly superb outfit to suit your part.

We can offer you a special student rate of only £20.00 per costume for a complete outfit including accessories like apron, hat, wig or cloak to suit your character.

So far this year we have successfully costumed, Fagin and Mr Bumble from Oliver, Fantine from Les Miserables, Laurey from Oklahoma, Christine from Phantom of the Opera, Amos from Chicago, Freddy from My Fair Lady and Don Giovanni.

Call us now on 01908 372504 to book your costume for this term – we love to help