Costume Designer of Starlight Express: Gabriella Slade
Andrew Lloyd Webber’s phenomenally popular revival of Starlight Express has been making waves at the Troubadour Wembley Park Theatre since it opened last summer. It stole the crown in seven categories at the 25th Annual WhatsOnStage Awards, becoming the big winner of the night, with Best Costume Design going to Gabriella Slade. But who exactly is this shining star and why should we remember her name? Let’s find out.
A Dazzling Career in Theatre and Live Entertainment
Gabriella Slade is a British costume designer best known for her work in theatre and live entertainment. With a flare for creativity and bringing shows to life, she’s created memorable costumes for a wide range of stage productions and special events. Her work is visually striking and has been integral to creating an immersive experience for audiences.
Slade has worked on a raft of Andrew Lloyd Webber musicals including The Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Evita, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and, most recently, Starlight Express. Slade even styled the wives of Henry VIII in this smash-hit musical SIX, pulling off everything from brilliant chain-trimmed corsets and studded black boots to spiky crown-like headpieces. Her methodology for the costume design for SIX involved looking at the portraits of each queen to create strong silhouettes and also giving them a different coloured outfit to make them easily recognisable.
Slade is celebrated for her ability to combine creativity and craftsmanship with a deep understanding of the narrative and characters. Her costumes enhance the storytelling element of each show, ensuring key themes and character traits are perfectly portrayed.
Gabriella Slade and Starlight Express
When it came to creating the perfect costumes for the Starlight Express theatre production, Slade had a lot to consider given the unique and futuristic concept of the show. As the musical features human characters portraying racing trains, the costumes needed to be both visually striking as well as practical for the performers, who need to move quickly around the stage on roller skates. As well as avoiding trip hazards, Slade had to ensure the costumes were as robust and light-weight as possible so that the actors could whizz around fast and free.
While challenging, Slade showcased her experience and expertise, designing costumes that included metallic fabrics, neon accents and light-up elements. This perfectly complemented the high-energy nature of the story. Particular standout elements of the production’s costume design include Rusty’s red outfits which routinely billow out steam to accompany his whistle. Meanwhile Electra has an inflatable lightning bolt costume for an extra dose of ‘camp’. All costumes are both theatrically impressive and functional, bringing to life Andrew Lloyd Webber’s theatrical vision.
If you want to see this spectacular, fast-paced show that celebrates the magic of movement and diversity, get your Starlight Express tickets today via KX Tickets. This immersive version of the production has brought a modern twist to the story, delighting contemporary audiences with its high-energy choreography, catchy songs and - of course - its dazzling costumes.
