Take a Closer Look At the Set and Costumes For London's New PETER PAN

The National Theatre Blog recently talked with London's Peter Pan costume designer, Katie Sykes, and set designer, Michael Vale to discuss their inspiration and process, as well as to share a few photos.

Sykes said that her initial inspiration for the costumes was found by looking in books, reading the source material, and pulling pictures from magazines and the internet.

"The initial inspiration for the costumes for the Lost Boys came from photos of children playing in the streets from the late sixties and early seventies," Sykes said. "I then kept the other characters very eclectic in how they looked but worked closely with the actors to create what would work for them. However, this is a hugely physical show with loads of quick changes so all of that also had to be taken into consideration when designing the costumes."

She also said that the materials for these costumes are extremely varied, including materials such as silk, calico, cotton, sequins, rubber swimming flippers, and much more.

As for the set, Michael Vale also used the streets as inspiration. "I found a book of photographs of children playing in the run down streets and waste grounds of New York called Street Play," he said.

When asked about his process, he assures that there is no specific structure when tackling a project like this. "It really is all about hunting down something visual which in any way help you to express your thoughts about the play or story," he said.

Read the full interview with Katie Sykes here, and with Michael Vale here.

Following the acclaimed Jane Eyre, director Sally Cookson brings her wondrously inventive Peter Pan to the NT after a sell-out run at Bristol Old Vic. Exploring the possibilities and pain of growing up, it's a riot of magic, mischief, music and make-believe. For more information, visit nationaltheatre.org.uk.

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