6 December 2024, Issue 1239
Creative comeback Tauranga veteran costumier Alf Weston is back on the job – returning from retirement to go behind the scenes to dress actors in Tauranga Repertory Society’s newest production ‘Nell Gwynn’. “At least four of the actors have been
swanning about on-stage wearing old curtains,” said 75-year-old Weston, who is pictured here with lead actress Zoe Cruse. “The big problem I had when I went shopping for fabrics is that furniture shops had none of the brocades and colour
combinations I needed. Everywhere I looked was a plague of greys and beige; I call it grey-ge.” It was bright colours he needed for the “rowdy comedy” set in 16th Century London, which is based on the true story
of King Charles II’s favourite mistress, Nell Gwynn. The production began November 22 and the final show is this Saturday, December 7, at 16th Ave Theatre. Read more about Alf and his return to back-stage on page 7. Photo: Pete Luxford Photography