QMU’s Costume Showcase pays homage to the past, present and future
Students from Queen Margaret University’s Costume Design and Construction degree are set to take the University’s annual costume showcase to new heights.
This year’s event is set to dazzle with a harlequinade of outfits from the past, present and future.
Themed in black and white, the 2015 show will transform the Pleasance Theatre in Edinburgh’s old town.
Taking place on the 15th May, Costume Showcase 2015 will feature an array of costumes created and modelled by Queen Margaret University’s Performing Arts students. The breadth of work will reflect the Costume Design and Construction students’ portfolio, with the supporting exhibition featuring illustrations of costumes, masks and millinery.
The audience should prepare itself to be transported to different worlds – from the 17 th century court of Charles II, stopping for a moment in an Edwardian musical hall, and reaching into the future with space aged mutants.
Sarah Paulley, Programme Leader in Costume Design and Construction at Queen Margaret University, explained: “It will be a visual rollercoaster which moves from bold black and white harlequin costumes to gloriously colourful African textiles. This year, an entire collection of costumes are themed around the Tempest, Shakespeare’s mystical island, with costumes inspired by birds, fishes and spirits.
Dr Richard Butt, Dean of Media, Communication and Performing Arts at Queen Margaret University, said: “This event is a highlight in Queen Margaret University’s calendar as it allows us to celebrate our students’ creativity and to unveil costumes they have worked on over the last year.”
After the matinee and evening shows, guests will have the opportunity to meet the student designers and makers, and to get an insight into the research, creativity and skill that goes into developing their creations.
Some of the students from Queen Margaret University’s Costume Design and Construction degree have gone on to create costumes for Hollywood blockbusters such as ‘Gravity’ with Sandra Bullock and Cluny, the new TV series ‘Outlander’ and some TV drama favourites such as ‘Mr Selfridge’. Other graduates have worked with companies such as Scottish Ballet and the Welsh National Opera.
‘Costume Showcase and Exhibition’ will take place at the Pleasance Theatre Hall, 60 Pleasance, Edinburgh, EH8 9TJ on the 15th May 2015. Matinee performance, doors open at 2pm, performance followed by the exhibition. Evening performance, starts at 7.15pm, followed by exhibition.
Tickets for the show can be purchased via Eventbite at: eventbrite.co.uk/preview?
Notes to Editor
Costume Design and Production is an important part of Queen Margaret University’s flagship area of Creativity and Culture, which also encompasses teaching and research in cultural management; drama; acting; and film, theatre and media studies.
Further information about Queen Margaret University’s School of Arts, Social Sciences & Management.
For further media information please contact Lynne Russell, Communications Manager on E: lrussell@qmu.ac.uk , T: 0131 474 0000, M: 07711 011239 or Jon Perkins, Press and PR Officer on E: jperkins@qmu.ac.uk , T: 0131 474 0000.
