Tipping The Velvet @ The Royal Lyceum Theatre ~ Review

When studying costume, watching plays, films, ballets and operas comes as part of a very sweet deal. Enjoying plays becomes “research”, and I am more than happy to be taking part.

My first theatre trip with the class was to see Tipping The Velvet at The Royal Lyceum Theatre. After hearing several good reviews I had high expectations and luckily, It didn’t disappoint. I had never been to the Lyceum theatre and as a disclaimer I want to add that my enjoyment of the play could be partly down to the impressive surroundings that this theatre holds. A must see for anyone new to Edinburgh!

Tipping the Velvet takes the history of music halls and mashes them together with something altogether more modern, a victorian lesbian love affair. Based on the novel by Sarah Walters, the story follows a young woman named Nan who falls in love with a male impersonator and follows her to London. She finds various ways to support herself as she journeys through the city. Some of her methods are definitely not for the faint hearted.

But I think that despite the heavy theme of love gained and heartbreak the play was a joy to watch (particularly the first half). I was really impressed with Laura Rodgers as the character and love interest, Kitty Butler. The play was adapted by Laura Wade and Sally Messham was chosen to play the lead as Nan. I had heard it was her first role since graduating and I have to say well done, it’s not an easy role to play and she held her own in the deep end. She told BBC;

“I picked up the book as soon as I got the role and I loved it, it’s like a Dickensian novel, you get a lot of Victorian novels about gay men and very few about lesbians and what Laura and Sarah have done is to give them a rich history.”

And now down to the good stuff! The costumes were equally as impressive, seeing as many of the women were presented in “unlady-like” dress and often in shirts and trousers! It was an interesting take on the more butch women of Victorian society. The play is set in the late 1890’s and it is clear that it remained true to the trends and silhouette. However, the colours of a few garments were sometimes dull or a mish-mash that didn’t work great together, but this can be easily overlooked. Most of the costumes for this production were probably taken from several different wardrobes. Even one of our lecturers said she noticed one of her own designs on stage!

Over all, a great play with a well chosen cast. The productions leaves The Lyceum on Saturday so I recommend catching it before it’s gone, or keep an eye out for it elsewhere. If you’re looking for something a little fresh and different than your typical love story, Tipping The Velvet is for you.

Character Sketch #2 – Jamie and Claire Fraser

My second and third character sketches go hand in hand as both come from the television period drama Outlander. This show has raced it’s way to the top of my list of favourite shows where I think it will stay for a very very long time.

The series is based on the historical “time travel” series of novels by Diana Gabaldon. It stars Caitriona Balfe and Sam Heughan, who play Claire and Jamie Fraser. Claire was a nurse in 1945 until she finds herself transported back to 18th century Scotland, 1743 to be exact, where she encounters Jamie, the bold Highland warrior involved in the Jacobite risings.

Apart from the brilliant plot of the story, obviously the costumes are a huge hit. I can’t get enough of the kilts, corsets, and heavy fabrics made for utility and work, very different to a lot of pretty period dramas. The palette is more muted but still rich with earthy colours. Nature is a huge theme, sometimes hinted in in the embroidery.

Obviously, I had to sketch the gorgeous Jamie in his kilt and sword. I sketched Claire in two of her day dresses. I love the historical accuracy of this show and there is so much I can learn from it, such as the bum roll or pannier. This crescent shaped pad is tied around the hips to accentuate the lady’s hips and to make the waist look smaller. This is obviously an important factor in dressing a woman of that time. Being aware of these things is something I need to keep in mind.

Terry Dresbach is the costume designer for Outlander and I thinks she captures the character’s perfectly. The obvious time and effort put into the details in the costumes are so beautiful that it seems such a shame the episodes aren’t longer so we can appreciate/drool over them for hours one end!

If you haven’t watched the show and you’re interested in historical costume, or even just hot Scottish men in kilts, then I advise you give it a try. You have until January before season 2 comes out!

Ciara x