The Importance of Costume in Theatre
The theatre is a place where magic is created through a combination of acting, lighting, set design and sound. Whether you’re on a family day out to see a popular musical or experiencing an immersive production for the first time, every detail contributes to the world of the show. Costume is a hugely important part of theatre, adding credibility to the setting and telling us more about the characters. Here, we delve deeper into why costumes are so important for theatre productions.
They tell us about the characters
Costumes help to explain who a character is, their social position and how they connect to the world in which the action is set. Theatre is a sensory experience, so there are often times you need to understand the role of a character even before they’ve made a speech or sung a song. An actor entering the stage in regal attire and a crown, for instance, will clearly be royalty, while rags will show you a character is impoverished. Bright colours and patterns might demonstrate flamboyance, while a dark, well-cut suit suggests professionalism and seriousness. Costume is particularly important in ballet, where the dancers don’t speak at all - so their clothes must tell a story as much as the choreography.
They set the period
Costumes bring the world of the play to life by reflecting the time in which it’s set. The shape of a dress, for example, will tell the audience about the period. Corsets and full skirts reflect the fashion of the 18th century, while a low-waisted, knee length dress paired with elbow length gloves tells us that we are watching a show set in the 1920s. Costumes are made in exquisite detail to ensure the world of the play is as believable as possible. Garments are often dyed to match colours that were available in the period and embroidered or distressed as necessary to ensure they tell us as much as possible.
They communicate character development
If the fortunes of characters are changing during the play, their costumes are an immediate signal of this. A rags-to-riches story can be told more effectively with the help of simple clothing in neutral colours while the character is impoverished and more elaborate clothing in bright colours when their fortune changes. Equally, costume can help to demonstrate the emotional state of a character. They may wear dark colours and heavy fabrics to indicate sadness, depression or loneliness and bright colours in light, floaty fabrics when they are feeling upbeat.
They support the style of the show
Different shows have different requirements, and costumes can play a part in supporting this. The costumes in a pantomime, for example, will be much more outlandish than those in a sombre drama and will add to the overall atmosphere of the production.
If you’re looking for ‘family days out near me,’ why not check out what’s on in London this season? Whether you’re looking for play tickets, musical adventures or something that challenges your expectations, such as immersive theatre, you can book something exciting at KX Tickets.
