We commenced our 2019-2020 programme with a fantastic September meeting! Our guest speaker Paul Read kept us thoroughly entertained and the hall was full of excitement and laughter throughout the evening.
The curtain was well and truly lifted to reveal the secrets of life backstage in a hugely entertaining talk by one of the West End’s principal dressers for some of the biggest names in TV and Theatre, Paul Read. Surrounded by some of beautiful costumes and props worn by his famous clients including Dame Diana Rigg, Dame Helen Mirren, James Fox and Joe McFadden, Paul gave us a highly amusing account of the trials and tribulations of his life as a Theatre Dresser. Who knew that as well as being able to change an actor’s costume in as little as 15 seconds, a theatre dresser must also be a psychologist, cheerleader, personal assistant, confidant and sometimes even whipping-boy! Paul had the audience in stitches when he revealed the secrets of the quick change – magnets, velcro and a highly choreographed dressing. All this taking place silently in the dark in a dirty, confined space, – a trip to the theatre will never be the same again! Thank you Paul for a wonderfully entertaining and enlightening evening.
We had a great crowd, great speaker and a great start to the Autumn. Next month is our 5th birthday when we are looking forward to a right ‘Royal’ celebration!
