Only a handful of weeks away from the start of rehearsals for Hamilton in Sydney, a cast of more than 65 tailors, weavers, cobblers and wig makers are busy making sure the show's delicate 18th century gowns and military attire are fit for royalty. Even the socks are purpose-built.
In fact, when the Australian cast of the world's most successful musical takes to the stage in March, the only part of their costumes that won't have been custom handmade is their underpants.
After nearly a year of work through the pandemic, the team is close to finishing the 725 costume pieces that will be worn by the 35 performers when the show about Alexander Hamilton, the US' first treasury secretary, has its premiere at the Lyric Theatre.
A cobbler handmakes a pair of boots that will be worn in Hamilton.Credit:James Brickwood
Thousands of metres of material – from calico to silk – have been cut and hundreds of metres of human hair has been weaved into wigs. The buttons that appear on the waistcoats of the male ensemble (and may not even be visible to many in the audience) weren't picked up from the local shops – some 780 of them were especially made for the show at a New York foundry.