Costuming for the BBC-produced "Dr Who" series, which is returning as a weekly attraction for New Zealand viewers, provides some real challenges to the skill of the design staff.
For a set of episodes seen recently in Britain, a grotesque race of Ice Warriors was created. In the role of their leader was Bernard Bresslaw, a well-known British theatrical figure, whose ordeal at the hands of the make-up and costuming people forms the subject matter of this backstage pictorial feature.
Bresslaw's costuming ordeal begins as a make-up assistant fits a mask, then tries on the head for fit.
TRANSFORMATION
The transformation nears completion, and BBC costume supervisor, Martin Baugh (left), with his assistant, George Sherriff, literally tie up the loose ends before the head section was fitted into position.
Bresslaw keeps a watchful eye on progress as supervisor, Baugh, straps the arms into place. For costuming as complex as this no chances can be taken, and the final fitting before the scene goes on-camera can often become a protracted affair.
Make-up completed, Bresslaw, as Varga, leader of the Ice Warriors, confronts an apprehensive Victoria, in a scene from the new "Dr Who" series. Victoria is played by Deborah Watling.
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