Costume design by Hugh Durrant for Les Dawson as Ada the Cook in the Ship scene of "Dick Whittington", Wimbledon Theatre, 1991.

Costume design for Les Dawson as Ada the Cook in the "Ship" scene. The design depicts a full length male figure wearing a pantomime dame costume. The costume consists of a blue and white striped dress with white collar edged in red, decorated with an anchor and lifebuoy and edged with blue and white rope on the hem and around the waist. The skirt hem and sleeve seams are decorated with small nautical flags. The figure also wears blue and white striped stockings; blue shoes with red heels; a pair of red earrings in the shape of ship wheels; and a hat in the shape of an anchor and lifebuoy.

Given by Hugh Durrant

This costume design by Hugh Durrant is part of a group of designs donated to the Theatre Museum by the artist in 1994. The design was executed for a production of the pantomime "Dick Whittington" performed at the Wimbledon Theatre on 19th December 1991. The show was directed by Alan Harding, and the lighting was designed by Jenny Cane. The cast included Rula Lenska as Dick, John Nettles as King Rat, and Les Dawson as Ada the Cook. The costume and set designer is not credited in the programme.

During the run of performances of "Dick Whittington" at Wimbledon Theatre, Les Dawson suffered a heart attack and had to withdraw from the production. He was replaced by the comedian Bernard Cribbins.

Historical significance: An excellent example of late 20th century costume design for pantomime, which is currently poorly represented in the Theatre Museum Collection.

Reason For Production: Commission

S.707-2001