A Day in the Death of Joe Egg: Costume design (including hair and make-up)

Historical Context

The play is set in the 1960s Britain, and the costumes should reflect the typical attire of the era.
Bri, as a school teacher, could be realistically dressed in a suit and tie, consistent with his profession.
Sheila might be in traditional ’60s clothing like a midi dress or A-line skirt. Her attire should subtly mirror her emotional state, appearing more dishevelled as the play progresses.
Freddie and Pam are secondary characters, and their costumes can further underline their personalities - Pam being flamboyant and Freddie appearing business-like.
Joe’s costume is critical given her condition. She should be dressed in comfortable, practical garments, indicative of a child with special needs.

Hairstyles should follow the fashion trends of the ’60s, and can contribute to reflecting the characters’ personalities.
Bri’s look might be traditional - clean-shaven with short, neat hair, whereas Sheila’s hairstyle might embody the playful yet practical styles of ’60s housewives.
Pam could have an exaggerated style, with voluminous hair and bold makeup indicative of her extravagant personality.
Freddie’s hair could be suitably slick and styled, to reflect his stylish, well-to-do character.
Joe, as a character with severe disabilities, would have minimal, if any, attention to hair and makeup.

Costumes can be utilised to symbolise the themes of the play.
Bri’s clothing might become increasingly dishevelled as his desperation escalates, reflecting his deteriorating mental state.
Sheila’s transition from cheerful colours to more muted tones might indicate her evolving understanding and acceptance of Joe’s condition.
Freddie and Pam’s trendy, fashionable clothes would work as a sharp contrast to Bri and Sheila’s more simple attire, showcasing socio-economic differences.
Joe’s clothing, being simple and utilitarian, can serve as a powerful visual symbol of her life - ones that lack flair or change.

Overall, costumes need to contribute to a visual storytelling, helping to create an engaging stage image.
Variation in costumes can play a significant role in differentiating between different day phases or scenes.
While selecting the correct ’60s attire for authenticity, it’s important to consider the functionality of these costumes on stage and ensure they serve the storytelling.
Subtle changes in costume, such as the loosening of Bri’s tie or Sheila’s hair becoming increasingly unkempt, can be effective in showcasing the passage of time and building tension.