Rhondda Cynon Taff Theatres pantomime – Dick Whittington

Coleg y Cymoedd learners have been involved in bringing that magical touch to the young children in Rhondda Cynon Taff.

For the sixth year, a group of second year learners studying on the Foundation Degree Costume Construction for Screen Stage course at the college have been selected to cut and construct the outfits for this year’s Rhondda Cynon Taff Theatres pantomime – Dick Whittington.

The level 5 learners from the Nantgarw campus have been working closely with the costume designer Dr. Lloyd Llewellyn-Jones to realise his designs for the entire production. Learners have been constructing costumes for stars Di Botcher (Aunty Brenda-Stella), Frank Vickery (Welsh Play Write) & Johnny Tudor (Gavin & Stacy).

The staff, Emma Embling & Caroline Thomas and learners have had held regular fittings with the performer to discuss the requirements of their outfits.

The specialist course at the college focuses on the cut and costume construction skills, which provides the learners with the skills to translate their creative ideas into professional finished costumes.

Chloe Gauci, who is studying on the course said ‘I have really enjoyed this project and I cannot wait to see my outfits in action on the stage.  It has been a challenge to produce outfits for the characters that are not only eye catching but durable for the activities undertaken throughout the pantomime, plus the need for them to last for two months of continual wear and laundering.  I chose to make the Dame Sarah costume and I must thank Frank Vickery for his patience – I think the outfits will look amazing on the stage.

Course tutor, Emma Embling said,” The collaboration between the course and Rhondda Cynon Taf has gone from strength to strength over the years. The learners are given an excellent insight into the industry which they wish to enter upon completing their degree. The learners work extremely hard, from start to finish, to produce these outstanding costumes. At the end of the process they are able to add this production to their CV’s and portfolio’s. Working on these types of productions puts the learners ahead of other graduates when they start applying for work.

Angela Gould, Company Manager, Rhondda Cynon Taf CBC said- The costume learners at Coleg y Cymoedd are professional in their approach in everything that they do for us. Our relationship with the staff and the learners on the costume course has grown over the years and developed into something quite special. The learners are a credit to their course and the profession. 

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