Costume Update

Just to let you know the latest on the costume front, specifically in regards to rehearsals.

We are currently on schedule to provide you all with costumes for a dress run on Friday. Please note that there may still be details to add, such as ribbons/sequins/buttons etc (these things can be done next week in the theatre if necessary) but the main body of your costume should be there.

Jasmine is an obvious exception, as her costume will be collected from the National on Monday for 1 weeks' hire. Jas, your kinky belt is being purchased tomorrow and you have some genius earrings, but you may wish to dig out a practice skirt and blouse for Friday so that you have something to work with.

Kev and Heather - please can you get a small black spiral-bound notebook and pen, as we will be attaching it to Jas's kinky belt.

Krish - your trousers are going to an alteration shop to have the zip replaced and the hems turned up. Hopefully they will be able to get them done for Friday but you may need to bring in some trousers for the run. We'll confirm this, but please be prepared.

Zoe - Jenny is going into town tomorrow to try and get your tiny shoes - we'll search for your size and will only resort to insoles if all else fails. Also, I need to re-fit your bloomer straps, as I think the problem you had with the popper coming undone was due to the straps being too tight and pulling the popper apart.

Johnny and Mike - we are hoping to get top hats from a shop in Islington (we need to measure your heads - please remind me...) We may need to resort to hiring them from the National, in which case you'll have them next week. In the meantime, you may want to remain aware of the hat in relation to your character i.e taking it off, tipping it etc.

We plan to complete all the Girl's costumes tomorrow, so a practice strip will hopefully be possible on Thursday if required by Lucy. If not every Girl has their entire costume on Thursday, please don't hate us - remember that we are literally sewing around the clock and also have our own performances to work on. You can use your shoes from now if you want to practice dancing in them - we would just ask that you don't over-use and batter them, as we want them to look good for the actual performance.

As is the case for everyone, we are working really hard to make sure that you look fabulous. We understand that you want to be able to rehearse in your costumes and are doing everything we can to make that happen as soon as possible. Remember that there will also be chances to rehearse in full costume next week.

Thank you so much to everyone who has offered to help us - we really appreciate it. Jenny has been buttoning blouses all evening, and Catia and I have worked our ovaries off making skirts, so I think we can cope with just the three of us for now - but your helping hands may still be required!

One last thing... KAPOW!

Gudrun xxx