Weaverham artist looks to theatre for new creative outlet

Lauren Jones, who has autism, loves illustrating her own stories, and has formed a special artistic interest in what her characters wear.

Keen to find a real-world outlet for her creativity, the 26-year-old contacted Mid Cheshire Youth Theatre to offer some of her costume designs for their most recent production of Disney’s Frozen Jr. at the Grange Theatre in Hartford, which ran between October 19 and 21. 

Lauren learned to knit so she coud make a hands-on contribution which was all her own work - Olaf the Snowman's scarf (Image: Graham Holt)

After seeing her designs, the show’s producers jumped at the chance.

Lynn Standish-Dixon, a local seamstress, offered her services to help run up Lauren's ideas, and the pair formed an unstoppable team.

(L to R): Lizzy Edwards, Amber Larose, and Emily Murison sporting Lauren's designs (Image: Graham Holt)

Five months of hard work followed, and together Lauren and Lynn produced gorgeous costumes and accessories for the whole ensemble.

Lauren, who’s an avid theatregoer, said: “It was really exciting seeing the costumes being made to my designs.

“Watching them on stage during the show was just wonderful.

It was really exciting seeing the costumes being made to my designs (Image: Graham Holt/Lauren Jones)

“I also learned sometimes the designs must be changed depending on who plays the part, to make sure everyone knows who they are. For example, Anna’s clothes all have flowers.

“I’ve always loved drawing characters for the stories I write, and I like to design costumes for them, but I really wanted to try designing costumes for a show as I love going to the theatre.

“Lynn is very clever at making the costumes from my designs and taught me how to use the sewing machine to help. We also made the rag dolls used in the show, and the crowns.

MCYT's Sidney Causer looking authentic in one of Lauren's more traditional designs (Image: Graham Holt)

“I wanted to be able to make something all by myself, so I learned how to knit.

“I knitted the really long scarf used by Olaf in the show which made me very proud.

After the dress rehearsal, Lauren was called on stage for a special presentation of flowers and chocolates, and to receive thanks from the company for her efforts.

Dream team Lauren Jones (left) and seamstress Lynn Standish-Dixon hard at work (Image: Graham Holt)

Lauren’s mum, Christine, said: “It was great for Lauren to have something to really focus on.

“She does lots of drawing and story writing herself, but it was great for her to work collaboratively with others.

“The deadlines were sometimes a bit of a challenge, but overall, she adapted to it very well.

“There were odd moments when she displayed a bit of her artistic temperament, but on the whole, it was a fantastic experience for her. When she saw her creations on stage, all those anxieties just melted away.

Lauren added: “MCTY were absolutely brilliant to work with. I’d love to do more costume designing for another show if I get the opportunity.”