ALL IS REVEALED ON THE APRON FRONT

Mentioned way back in March that I had an exciting costume idea for my Edinburgh Fringe show which I was keeping under wraps for a while. It is actually alluded to in my Fringe Guide entry so I think it’s time to come clean and explain. Was trying to think how I could signify the nudity in the Adam and Eve scenes without asking the actors to undress and remembered that you can get aprons with nude figures on. Did an internet search and found not only those but a wealth of novelty aprons which would lend themselves to costuming a whole range of characters. In fact, this had a big influence on shaping the script, both in determining which characters from history and mythology earned a place and in fuelling playful banter between the two core characters. So Tarzan & Jane, St George, Ape-man and Napoleon all sailed into the cast list because there were tailor-made costumes available for them. For others I had to be a bit more ingenious and engage in some judicious lateral thinking so, for example, Juliet appears in white lingerie and Lady Macbeth in black bra and briefs, Macbeth in a kilt, Anthony as a Roman soldier and Cleopatra sports a kinky slave apron. I am particularly pleased with the scene in which Jesus goes into the wilderness to fast, dressed as Santa. I hope no one will find it blasphemous, I don’t think it is – just funny. The idea is that the actors take off an apron as a scene ends, revealing another underneath (hence my March 1st references to wigs and knickers) and thus moving seamlessly into the next character. Have recently taken delivery of numerous aprons from various sources. Just did another count and there are now 34 in the props box and still a few more to come. They won’t be wearing them all at once, they get to go off stage and restock occasionally. Even so, common sense tells me that nearly 40 costume changes in a 50 minute show is way too many. We’ll find out when we start rehearsals. I also have another 60 duplicate aprons to try and sell at £10 each on an “as seen in Venus and Mars and Other Myths of Mr and Ms” basis. I had to buy some of them in bulk so as to get them at wholesale price. All in all, I have spent over £800 on aprons but have the potential to get £600 back from sales. Apron anyone?