Like everything else in 2020, New Year’s Eve is going to be a bit different this year. No parties, no linking arms to sing Auld Lang Syne, no hugging strangers at the stroke of midnight. However, you can still get dressed up in your finery and toast the incoming year. Maybe take some inspiration from Welsh National Opera - Stevie Haynes-Gould from our Wardrobe department has an array of suitable outfits from some of our past productions to grace any festivities which he shares in this video.
Parties play important roles in opera and one of the most flamboyant is hosted by Prince Orlofsky in Die Fledermaus. Check out the elaborate embroidery in the costumes from our 2011 production designed by Deirdre Clancy.
WNO’s 2002 production of Rigoletto, which returned to our stages in Autumn 2019, opens with a very important political gathering hosted by the badly behaved Duke. Find out more about the inspiration for the outfits in this scene with Stevie and have a closer look at one of the intricate evening gowns.
Did you know that the Designer for The Rocky Horror Picture Show also created costumes for a WNO production? No fishnets, capes or sparkly top hats in The Marriage of Figaro but some incredible detail in these stylish period costumes.
The Greatest Showman was a big festive hit a few years ago, but opera went to the circus before that. Our 2012 production of Lulu was inspired by the big top with the title character acting as ringmaster (or mistress in this case).
It wouldn’t be the Christmas season without including La bohème of course and the super glamorous Musetta really knew how to make an entrance in our 2012 production designed by Stephen Brimstone-Lewis. Stevie’s final choice is a show-stopping gown that features in Act 2.
Whether you’re in your best party outfit or your pyjamas this New Year’s Eve, raise a glass to the future and make a wish that we can all meet again at theatres and concert halls in 2021.
