News: Nottingham College students make over Broadway performers

Performers of a leading Broadway musical have been brought to life thanks to eye-catching makeovers created by students at Nottingham College.

Twenty seven Level 3 Media Makeup Artistry students have been on location at the Theatre Royal since last month to transform actors and actresses in the 1956 production of My Fair Lady, into the show’s iconic characters.

Using their creative flair, the students have taken the lead on a variety of artistic tasks including makeup makeovers, costume fittings and wig styling.


Natalie Rochford, a makeup artistry student, responsible for transforming ensemble characters in the production said:

“I’m really loving my role. Among other things, I help with costumes, wig changes and touch ups. I feel very privileged to get on board with this exciting show and would encourage other students to seize the opportunity to get involved in big productions.”


Speaking of her role to recreate actor Simon Theobold into “Henry Higgins”, Shakira Brown, 18, said:

“I am really enjoying being a part of all this. Among other things, I get to blend hair into his wig, apply the right amount of foundation and colour in order to match his costume. It’s a great experience for me and I’m learning so many new things.”


Kirsty Higham, 17, who is enjoying visually transforming actor Rob Harrison into “Colonel Pickering” said:

“It’s such a fantastic opportunity for me to be involved in such a big production. I have never done anything like this before on such a huge scale and I really embrace it! Among other things, I have to age Rob with makeup and wig styling.”


Alise Butler, 16, who has been making over and changing wigs for ensemble characters said:

“Being a part of this gives me a real insight into period drama and historical theatre productions. I am loving every minute of it and hope to use the things I have learned and the experience I have gained in my future career!”


Eighteen year-old Chloe Jackson has the special role of making over Eliza Dolittle, the star character in the production. Speaking of her role, she said:

“I love my job in this well-known show because there’s so much variety and I do a little bit of everything to bring Eliza to life, including being responsible for her costume changes, styling her wig and using the right make up shades. The fact that I love the film is an added bonus!”

My Fair lady is showing at The Theatre Royal in Nottingham now until 28 October 2017. Described by the New York Times as “one of the best musicals of the century”, the Cinderella story of the transformation of the Cockney flower girl, Eliza Dolittle, by the pompous Professor Henry Higgins continues to attract audiences worldwide with its perfect blend of warmth, humour and glamour.

With spectacular sets and glorious costumes, the show features some of Lerner & Loewe’s best songs, including ‘Wouldn’t It Be Loverly?’, ‘The Rain in Spain’, ‘On The Street Where You Live’, ‘I Could Have Danced All Night’ and ‘Get Me to the Church on Time’.

April Green, Specialist Makeup Coordinator and Lecturer at Nottingham College, who has overseen the students’ roles in My Fair Lady alongside trainee teachers Nicola Comer and Justine Whitehouse said:

“Being involved in this world famous production is a fantastic opportunity for Nottingham College and our students as a whole. Learning about historical periods and the style and fashion of yester year, is invaluable for our students and will be good experience for their future careers. Among other things, I had to teach them to do Edwardian hair which was new to them.

“It is amazing how much our students have achieved in just six weeks and they can now say that they’ve been heavily involved in working at Nottingham’s largest theatre and for a sell-out Broadway production!”

For more information about the world famous Broadway Production, please visit, https://trch.co.uk/whats-on/my-fair-lady/.