Meet the team taking care of the Potters Theatre Company’s wardrobe
Step into the dazzling world of the Potters Theatre Company, and you’ll be met with spectacular productions, incredible performances, and show-stopping costumes that bring every show to life.
But behind the glitz and glamour of the stage lies a dedicated team working tirelessly to ensure every outfit, sequin, and feather is perfectly in place.
With over 30 dancers and vocalists across two resorts, three very different shows running simultaneously, plus late-night entertainment and added ‘modules’ (continued entertainment after the main show), the wardrobe department at Potters Resorts is a well-oiled machine, keeping hundreds of costumes performance-ready, night after night.
So we delved into the creative chaos and meticulous planning of the wardrobe department—the unsung heroes of the Potters Theatre Company.
A Stitch in Time: The Role of Wardrobe
The wardrobe department is at the heart of every production, ensuring that each performer looks the part for every song, dance, and fitting finale.
Responsibilities include sourcing dazzling costumes, fitting, tailoring to each show’s unique theme, making new items from scratch, alterations to support rapid changes, repairs and cleaning. The department’s work has to be a seamless blend of creativity, precision, and problem-solving, while also keeping every costume in tip-top shape.
It’s a fast-paced environment, in which no two days are the same. Whether it’s a last-minute adjustment minutes before curtain call or planning for new productions months in advance, the wardrobe team has to be ready for anything and always one step ahead.
From Concept to Stage: Creating that Show-Stopping Look
Each Potters Theatre Company production boasts its own unique look and feel, meaning the team must source and then refine costumes that enhance the storytelling and withstand the rigours of nightly performances.
Creative Producer Roxy Yarnold says: “Wardrobe is a key part of discussions around new productions. The right costume can elevate a section or routine to a whole new level. They can transform the stage into an array of colours, or transport us to a bygone era and a variety of locations.”
Original costume sketches for Totally 80sStep into the Potters Theatre Company’s wardrobe department, and you’ll find a wonderland of vibrant fabrics, glittering sequins, and thousands upon thousands of incredible costumes and props. From glamorous ballgowns and tuxedos to period-inspired ensembles, every piece tells a story. Everything is meticulously labelled and stored to ensure longevity.
But despite having a treasure trove of over 15,000 costumes and props to call upon, it’s often necessary to order new ones depending on any new production’s vision.
“As shows evolve, I’ll be speaking to suppliers and offering design suggestions to Roxy and the creative team,” explains wardrobe assistant Megan Jones. “Once everything is agreed, it’s then about sourcing high quality costumes that not only look great, but can cope with the constant changes our productions require from section to section.”
Fitting and Alterations
As any new costumes arrive, the team will then tailor to each performer’s requirements. “It’s not just about having costumes that look good on stage,” says Jo Regan, who is part of the Wardrobe Team at Hopton-on-Sea.
“Most importantly, the Potters Theatre Company should be comfortable, and sizings can vary from one supplier to the next. You also have cast change-overs to consider, at which point we need to re-tailor the costumes in approximately 2-3 days. They have to be ready for the new PTC team members to perform in existing productions.”
Lisa Slater and Megan Jones, from the Wardrobe Team at Hopton-on-SeaAs well as fitting, Jo, along with her Hopton-on-Sea colleagues Lisa Slater and Megan, may also be required to painstakingly add extra features, from rhinestones, embroidery, and embellishments to ensure every outfit sparkles under the spotlight.
“It can be a labour of love,” says Lisa. “Some costumes take weeks to complete. But as soon as the team hits the stage, you really feel a sense of accomplishment.”
The Art of the Quick Change
While those refinements add a touch of elegance, a large part of the alteration stage is less obvious to the audience’s eye. Performers often layer certain costumes on top of each other for extra rapid transitions. But there is always a need for quick costume changes.
Hazel MacLennan and Becky Devall, from the Wardrobe Team at Five Lakes“A lot of the time, costumes aren’t built for the rigours of what we do in the Potters Theatre Company,” explains Hazell MacLennan, wardrobe assistant at Five Lakes. “Our productions are fast-paced with lots of different sections. So we’re always looking at ways to make costume changes more efficient. We’ll add hidden zips, buttons, and velcro fastenings to help the performers transition from one section to the next.”
Her Five Lakes colleague Becky Devall, says: “There can be up to fifteen costume changes for each performer, in every show. One moment, a vocalist can be belting out a ballad in a glamorous ball gown. The next, they reappear in a completely different outfit ready for an intensive dance routine.”
Every night at Potters, over 2,000 items are used across both resorts. For those watching in the audience, it might seem like magic. But behind the scenes, it’s a high-pressure operation requiring perfect timing, precision, teamwork, and some trade secrets!
The Unsung Heroes of the Stage… and Resort!
While the PTC takes centre stage, Hazel at Five Lakes explains that some of the resort team know they’re there if they need them. “We’ll get the odd uniform request from time to time, to take in a pair of trousers, for example. I’ve even helped someone with their wedding attire!”
So the next time you’re in the theatre at Potters and are dazzled by a flawless costume change, or mesmerised by the sparkle of a gown under the spotlight, spare a thought for the talented team behind the seams.
Because without them, their dedication, skill, and attention to detail, the show (and the occasional wedding!) simply wouldn’t go on.
TRADE SECRET!
A bottle of vodka is a permanent fixture in Wardrobe. Mix it with a few drops of lavender oil, and it will freshen up costume pieces that can’t be laundered, without leaving any residue or stains. It’s an old wardrobe trick that’s been adopted for centuries!
