I wear a feline leotard and ears to see Cats – and meet all the other theatre superfans going crazy for costumes
Skeleton suits for Phantom of the Opera, garish wigs for Beetlejuice, a Don’t Tell Mama dress for Cabaret … our critic meets the crowds going wild for costumes – and attends Cats in kitty costume It’s an hour before curtain-up and the queue outside the theatre is full of green wigs and blue faces, all amid a sea of black and white stripes. It is Halloween night and these theatregoers of all ages,…
As the queue outside the theatre snakes around a corner on Halloween night, fans of all ages clad in themed dress are in full swing for the musical Beetlejuice. This growing fashion for costumes is driven by a desire for community and connection, and is further fueled by the interactive and immersive theatre boom, as well as the growth of online forums and social media. Many fans first find each other online and then meet in theatres or at cosplay conventions.
The tradition of dressing up for the theatre is not limited to the younger generation, with adults donning elaborate costumes for shows like Burlesque and The Oresteia. David Fynn, star of Beetlejuice, believes that these themed costumes allow people to express themselves and feel a sense of belonging, as the theatre becomes a safe haven where they can be their true selves.
Social media has played a crucial role in building this sense of togetherness, providing a platform for fans to connect and share their costumes. The annual London theatre convention, Musical Con, was founded to provide an inclusive space for superfans to express themselves without fear of judgment, and it has since become a launchpad for many to attend other shows in costume.
The intricate and professional costumes seen at these conventions have caught the attention of industry professionals, who see potential in the cosplay community to create future designers. As fans continue to push the boundaries of cosplay, the theatre industry may find itself reaping the benefits of this growing trend.
Written by urgent.news from Guardian Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
