Falmouth students invited to create Kernow-inspired costume for Christmas panto

A group of Fashion and Textiles students will be going to the ball to see their creation under the Hall for Cornwall’s bright lights after designing and making the dress to be worn by the Dame in this year’s Christmas panto. 

As part of a new landmark partnership between Falmouth University and Hall for Cornwall’ Costume Design for Film and Television students were invited to take part in a competition to create a Kernow-inspired, show-stopping costume for Jack and the Beanstalk’s Dame Trott.  

Second-year student Tabby Winchester’s striking dress design was chosen. Judges also selected the cape from fellow second year Florence Kenny to be part of the Dame’s outfit which will form part of the shows big finale.  

Tabby said: “I really wanted to emphasise Cornish influences in the design to make sure the Dame has a strong local flavour - hopefully audiences will enjoy spotting them when the dress is revealed. Designing the dress is a great opportunity, and working with classmates on the dress fabrication is putting our skills to the test: this dress needs to wow the audience AND stand up to the rigours of forty performances.”  

Florence said, “It's going to be a big emotional moment for us to see Edward Rowe on stage in the dress and cape, especially as the show will be building up to the big reveal. It will be hard not to get caught up in the moment when we see it and hear everyone's reactions. The Hall for Cornwall is an amazing place and I have volunteered in the costume department before working on other people’s designs, so to actually make a piece to be on the stage will mark a really nice progression for me.”  

Tabby and Florence, along with course mates are now working furiously to make the dress, and recently had the first fitting with Kernow King Edward Rowe who will be playing Dame Trott. They will also be invited to attend a dress rehearsal to see their creations come to life on stage and will be credited in the Jack and the Beanstalk programme.  

Joyce Branagh, Director of Jack and the Beanstalk, commented “it’s really exciting to have the students on board and having that injection of young energy and humour to give us a little blast of Cornwall in that finale moment. We’re very excited about it!”  

The project provided students with the opportunity to experience the real-world process of theatre costume design. They were tasked with balancing both artistic expression and practical considerations – including quick costume changes, scale, and how the outfit would be viewed by audiences from different perspectives. The collaboration gives the students a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and rewards of designing for the stage. The magic of the on-stage reveal is in celebration of both talent and the strong collaborative relationship between the creative arts in Cornwall.   

Jack and the Beanstalk is running from 6th December to the 31st December.