The Bodyguard

http://www.atgtickets.com/shows/the-bodyguard/sunderland-empire/

On the 9th of March 2016 a group of the first year costume students and I decided to go and see The Bodyguard at the Sunderland Empire.  As none of us had either seen the film, the musical or indeed knew the story, we all went in unprepared but open minded.  A simple premise of the musical is that a former bodyguard is hired by a famous pop star's agent to protect her against threatening fans with all the songs becoming iconic with the original films actress; Whitney Houston.

http://www.thebodyguardmusical.com/gallery/photos/

http://www.thebodyguardmusical.com/gallery/photos/

The musical starts with an incredibly spectacular song performance in the costume seen above.  The thing that I find most inspiring in the design of this costume in the fact the fanned back section is in fact part of the set and not the costume; however the positioning of both set and character create the illusion of a much grander and stunning costume that draws the audiences eye to her only then does she move and show that its a section of the set.

http://www.thebodyguardmusical.com/gallery/photos/

Throughout the whole play I found that this costume above is my favourite. I think that this is because of the elegant silhouette and clean lines that create a simple costume and yet it stands out against the dark backgrounds of the sets.  The asymmetrical neckline and gentle gathering on the bust and sleeve is echoed at the waist with the gathering leading into a simple 'flower', of the same fabric, placed on the hip.  I feel that this costume stood out form me because it stands out against all the other costumes that this character wears as they are more glitzy, revealing and party-like compared to this toned down, formal Oscar gown.  This image below of the same gown has been altered for use in posters and advertisements and so the gowns colour has been changed to a much stronger yellow that stands out against the black background.  I believe that this was done in order to link the colour more closely with the other costumes she wears in the musical as well as representing an Oscar; the whole musical is leading up to the Oscars awards evening.

http://www.thebodyguardmusical.com/gallery/photos/

source - http://www.thebodyguardmusical.com/home.php