All the world's a stage - an afternoon @ Utopia Costumes

I'd been hearing from a variety of sources that the Utopia Costume warehouse in Forfar was a treat for any costume addict. It really was an Aladdin's cave of treasures.


It was snowing like crazy in the hills as i took the 22A cross country bus via Glamis over to Forfar. This must be a really scenic route on a clear day but it was fair blowing a blizzard this Wednesday.

Gordon Philip (who co-directs the business with Ewan Campbell) and I had met briefly before at Utopia's Perth Street shop in Dundee way back in October '09 (when i made my first research trip). It was excellent to meet him again and learn more about their costume business and news of recent projects. Utopia premiered their latest costume project Beauty & the Beast at The Kings, Edinburgh - Utopia's team produced all the costumes and full accessories for a cast of 70 performers. During my visit this show was being boxed up in large crates in the loading bay to go out on tour.

Gordon and I chatted about the skills, time and techniques that are needed to produce the costume pieces in their collection - knowledge of tailoring, beading/embroidery, millinery, corsetry, constructing hidden structural supports, harnesses and padding. The pieces also have to be versatile in terms of their sizing. Often the costumes have adjustable panels and lacing to be drawn in/loosened depending on the performers shape and size as the costumes are hired out to different theatres and companies. Any guesses on which show this wrack of costumes belongs to?


Staff were popping in and out to get hot coffees and teas as it was a chilly day and the warehouse was chilly too. I'm looking forward to a second visit, hanging out by the kettle for some further creative chat. The best office conversations happen by the 'water cooler' they say - well at Utopia I reckon it'll be in the kitchen area near the shelves of wigs.

Space is a premium and the warehouse is full to bursting with approx 25,000 costumes and accessories. No space is left unused - check out these beautiful feather fans over the doorway in the accessories department.


Gordon showed me one of his favourite pieces a military jacket with tails - naval possibly? With incredible hand embroidered metal thread work. This was a real collectors piece and also weighed a tonne (well quite a few kilos). After a while you can get rather overwhelmed by the rails and rails of costumes. Perhaps it's a bit like testing too many perfumes at once - you have to take your time with these things. So, I look forward to going back there and having another session pulling out a few gems and also asking each member of staff if they have a particular favourite and why.

I asked Gordon about the tools of his trade - he said that being good with people was a vital skill to have in your Costumers 'Kit Bag'. I argee with him there. Also he spoke about his particular interest in structural props and harness making - so a harness was a key work related object or tool of his trade.

Well a hugely enjoyable few hours and the first meeting of many with Utopia I hope....