QMU’s Costume Showcase 2018 to be staged at Scotland’s oldest concert hall
Queen Margaret University’s (QMU) will be hosting its flamboyant annual Costume Showcase event for the first time in Scotland’s oldest purpose-build concert hall, St Cecilia Hall, located just off the Royal Mile. The runway showcase event, which is now one of the main highlights in the University’s calendar, shows off the creative talents of students on QMU’s BA (Hons) Costume Design and Construction course. Many graduates of this course have gone on to create costumes for theatre, film and TV, with some working on popular shows such as ‘Strictly Come Dancing’, ‘The Voice’, and ‘Outlander’ as well as Holywood blockbusters like ‘Gravity’.
Queen Margaret University’s unique Costume Design & Construction (CDC) course – Scotland’s only degree focusing equally on the design and construction of costumes and where students learn by working on real shows – has built a reputation for both creative and craft excellence over many years. This year, 40 students from across all four years of the BA (Hons) Costume Design and Construction programme will showcase their work at the end of year catwalk event.
Sarah Paulley, Lecturer in Costume Design, discussed the 2018 show. She said: “This is a fantastically exciting and varied show which features creative talent from every year group.
To complement our glorious 18th century venue, the show features a specially commissioned collection of characters from Jane Austen’s novels, which have been transported to Edinburgh. These characters are joined by a host of other figures from the past including: a courtesan from the court of Louis XIV; twins from Gogol’s provincial Russia; Henry VIII; and 12 Lords-a-leaping in stunning masque costumes worn by an array of 18th century gentlemen in all their finery.”
To add even more historical lustre to proceedings, the performers, most of whom are acting and performance students from QMU, will be clothed in wonderful fabrics generously provided by our sponsor Holland & Sherry, cloth merchants since 1836.
Dr Richard Butt, Deputy Principal at Queen Margaret University, said: “It is important that students on the course have the opportunity to both express their creativity and work with the very best of materials. Holland & Sherry has allowed our final year students from the end of year show to gain invaluable experience by working with the finest of fabrics to develop a range of outstanding costumes. We look forward to seeing them in all their splendor at the beautiful St Cecilia’s Hall on the 10th and 11th May.”
Global Sales Director of Holland & Sherry, Lindsay Taylor, who works with tailors, designers from couture houses, CMT factories and designers for costume, theatre and film, said: “Holland & Sherry is delighted to support the students of the BA (Hons) Costume Design and Construction programme, QMU’s Costume Showcase 2018 and the designers of the future.”
All in all, it promises to be an evening that is as eye-catching as it is inspiring – and with a limited number of tickets available for the performances across the two days (times shown below), those interested in attending are advised to purchase a ticket in advance.
Thursday 10 May 2018: Time 19 .30 (Evening Show) – Tickets £15.00
Friday 11 May 2018: Time 14.30 (Matinee) – Tickets £5.00
Friday 11 May 2018: Time 19.30 (Evening Show) –Tickets £15.00
Tickets for purchase on the door (subject to availability)
Notes to Editor
For further media information please contact Lynne Russell, Communications Manager, Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh, E: lrussell@qmu.ac.uk; T: 0131 474 0000, M: 07711 011239 or Jonathan Perkins, Press and PR Officer, E: jperkins@qmu.ac.uk T: 0131 474 0000
