A NOTE FROM THE COSTUME DESIGNER

The time period of late 1970s into early 1980 is when I was a little girl and with sisters 12/13 years older than myself, the clothing and music are imprinted in my memories and is a time period I truly love -it feeds my rock n roll soul!

Throughout the design process, research was key as the bands and the main protagonist Terri Hooley are all actual people in our living history so the costumes needed to stay as faithful to the bands and the people of Belfast and Derry/ Londonderry. With a mix of hippies, punks and the general seventies attire there was a lot to consider. Once I saw the photo of Terri’s then wife Ruth I was reminded of the Bob Dylan Song Girl from North County Fair with her hair hanging long and was inspired by all the wonderful women from that time period, Emmy Lou Harris and Joan Baez with peasant tops, waistcoats and leather knee boots.

There is also lots of Lee & Wrangler denim, red lined biker jackets and of course boot boy trousers’ all worn with the obligatory Doc Martin’s and Monkey Boots. As a designer it is important for me to source originals from the time period where possible, often restraints such as budget and time are hurdles to overcome but spending time souring will always uncover lots of wonderful gems in good condition and the correct size which adds authenticity and creates a more natural narrative for the costumes, the fact there are still Lord Anthony Sherpa and snorkel jackets out in the world makes my heart glad.

For the three bands The Undertones, Rudi and The Outcasts, it was very important for each individual member to be identifiable and recognised for their own individual style. As the wonderful cast multi roll, costume had to work with the boundaries of quick changes but place importance in making the distinction between the bands. Brian Young one of the members of Rudi and Greg Cowan from the Outcast’s were both very generous with their memories of the clothing they wore at that time. Greg had mentioned his red Crombie tipped with black velvet, that he got custom made in North Street, and Brian’s infamous black shirt with the leopard print yoke and his striped yellow and black socks were a must for the costume list. There are lots of images out there for the Undertone’s but a green snorkel with orange quilted lining and a Fair Isle jumper most synonymous with Fergal Sharkey

The punks of Belfast at that time were different to the Punks of London; they were almost playing catch up, but the energy, youthful spirit and sheer grit of the 1970s generation especially during the heightened troubles was something I wanted to capture. Polly punk and the ensemble female punks are inspired by an image I found of Liz Young on Spit records, Vivienne Westwood muse Debbie Juvenile and the punks of Belfast that frequented The Delta and Plaza in early 1980s.

GILLIAN LENNOX COSTUME DESIGNER