Photos by @peachyraith
From 18th July to 23rd August 2025, I had the amazing opportunity to work as the sole Wardrobe Dresser on Friends the Musical Parody at the Barn Theatre in Cirencester, directed by Michael Gyngell. As the only dresser on the show, I was responsible for supporting all seven cast members, which meant managing every single costume from start to finish each day. My work began before the curtain even went up—pre-setting costumes in dressing rooms, organising quick-change stations, and ensuring every piece was in the correct place and order.
​Because the show was a high-energy parody musical with fast transitions and comedic timing at its heart, I quickly learnt how to work under pressure and adapt on the spot to the needs of each actor. Quick changes became a finely tuned process where precision, timing, and clear communication were essential to keep the flow of the performance seamless. I enjoyed building strong relationships with the cast, understanding their individual preferences, and creating an environment backstage where they felt supported and confident in every change.
Alongside this, I worked closely with the Head of Wardrobe on alterations, repairs, and ongoing costume maintenance. This taught me the importance of attention to detail and efficiency—whether that was sewing on a button at speed, steaming a costume for the next performance, or ensuring the wardrobe village stayed organised and ready to go. Each day, I would collect, reset, and prepare costumes so that everything was performance-ready, keeping the backstage space running like clockwork.
The experience was both challenging and rewarding, pushing me to refine my technical skills while also developing my ability to stay calm and positive in a fast-paced environment. It was a production full of energy, humour, and creativity, and I loved being part of the team that helped bring the show to life. Looking back, I’m really proud of the role I played in supporting the actors and ensuring that the costumes contributed seamlessly to the comedy, pace, and overall success of the production.
