YEOVIL NEWS: Former college students help with BBC drama Wolf Hall

A GROUP of former Yeovil College students have worked on costumes for the forthcoming BBC adaptation of Hilary Mantel’s prize winning novel Wolf Hall.

The highly anticipated series presents an intimate portrait of Thomas Cromwell and his rise to power.  From humble beginnings as a brewer’s son in Putney to principal advisor to Henry VIII, Cromwell develops into a pragmatic and accomplished power broker capable of navigating the corridors of power and deadly political intrigue.

Two-time Olivier and three-time Tony award winner Mark Rylance stars as Cromwell, alongside Damian Lewis (Henry VIII), Claire Foy (Anne Boleyn) and Jonathan Pryce (Cardinal Wolsey) and an extensive supporting cast. 

The screening of Wolf Hall begins on Wednesday, January 21, 2015, at 9pm with much of the drama filmed at the National Trust’s Montacute House on the outskirts of Yeovil and at Barrington Court near Ilminster.

PHOTO – TOP: Beth Dyer puts the finishing touches to a blue velvet jacket.

PHOTO – RIGHT: Debra Ousley at work for the costume department.

The production’s size and attention to detail led to opportunities for former Yeovil College students Beth Dyer, Emily Plumb, Debra Ousley, Amy Whitehouse and Jessica Hamilton-Griffin.

They leapt at the chance to gain experience of a high quality production, taking time off from work and university to get involved and working long hours to help ensure that various characters looked the part.

Jess Hamilton-Griffin said: “I did a lot of costume design at YeovilCollege and I had just finished my degree in fashion textiles at MiddlesexUniversity when I went to help out at Wolf Hall. I spent the day with the costume department, helping do last minute alterations.

“I spent most of my time sewing gold beads onto a jacket that Damien Lewis was going to be wearing as Henry VIII. All the members of the production were very welcoming and I had a lovely time.  Even after 12 hours of sewing, I didn't want to leave. I am certainly looking forward to spotting that jacket on screen!”

PHOTO – RIGHT: Damian Lewis as Henry VIII in Wolf Hall wears clothes fit for a king. Photo: Copmany Pictures/Playground Entertainment/BBC.

Debra Ousley studied A Level fashion and textiles and a vocational business course at Yeovil College before going to ManchesterMetropolitanUniversity, where she achieved a first in international fashion marketing.

She said “I was given the chance to assist the costume department for Wolf Hall at both Montacute House and Barrington Court.

“This was a unique opportunity, as I was able to gain first-hand knowledge and experience of activity behind the scenes of a TV production, from the bustle of getting actors into costumes ready for the next scene, to adjustments between filming and creating garments to meet deadlines.

“This experience has given me the chance to peer into the world of costume making, which has been an interest of mine for many years. It has also provided me with insight into the breadth of opportunities available for students and the amount of doors opened by education. It’s reassuring that Yeovil College continues to support past students through committed lecturers such as Clarissa Ready.

This was a thoroughly exciting, enjoyable and rewarding experience that I will always remember.”

Head costume cutter on Wolf Hall, Gayle Playford, said: “The costume team were very pleased to invite students, both past and present, from Yeovil College to work alongside us and gain practical experience of a very busy workroom and crowded costume department.

“Each one of the students gave something very special to the project – showing competence, drive, enthusiasm and excellent practical skill.”

PHOTO – ABOVE: Mark Rylance as Thomas Cromwell in Wolf Hall. Photo: Copmany Pictures/Playground Entertainment/BBC.

PHOTO – ABOVE: Everyone on screen had to look the part from leading roles to supporting cast. Photo: Copmany Pictures/Playground Entertainment/BBC.

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