Exhibition: Re:Imagining Musicals

This display celebrates the glittering world of musical theatre, exploring the evolution and craftmanship of iconic musicals, from Miss Saigon and My Fair Lady to modern classics SIX the Musical, and Everybody’s Talking About Jamie.

This free display showcases 100 objects, the majority of which are being displayed for the first time, bringing together brand-new acquisitions and unseen classics in the V&A’s Theatre and Performance Galleries.

Highlights include: Eliza Doolittle’s beaded gown designed by Cecil Beaton and worn by Julie Andrews in My Fair Lady at the Theatre Royal, Drury Lane (1958).

New costume acquisitions including Miss Hannigan’s dress, wig and whistle worn by Paul O’Grady in the 1998 West End revival of Annie and donated to the museum especially for the display; Gabriella Slade’s Tony award winning costume for Catherine of Aragon in SIX the Musical; Jamie New’s costume designed by Anna Fleischle for Everybody’s Talking About Jamie and Catherine Zuber’s Tony and Olivier award winning ‘Sparkling Diamond’ costume worn by Satine in Moulin Rouge! The Musical. Further highlights include a toy Olaf created especially for Frozen the Musical designed by Christopher Oram; a 1965 original cast recording of Hello Dolly! signed by Carol Channing; an original poster for Hamilton signed by the cast and creatives; Bunny Christie’s Olivier and Critics’ Circle award winning costume design, model and costume for Rosalie Craig as Bobbie in the 2019 West End revival of Company and Shakespeare’s first folio, which celebrates its 400th anniversary in 2023.

Ian has visited - review here.