I’ve just been cast in a local theater production of “The Foreigner” by Larry Shue. The part I play is of Staff Sgt “Froggy” LeSueur, demolitions expert of the British Army.
With some trepidation I have gone through the costume closet and found only meager pickings in the Army uniform department, almost all American of some variety. Is there anybody out there who can give me an idea where I might find suitable pieces for a sergeant in the British Army?
The play is set in relatively modern day (mid '80s), so if anybody knows some surplus store where I can find this kind of stuff, give me a shout!
I would suggest looking into where the local army cadets get their uniforms. My local cadets get their’s for a shop run by the militray where the guys sell their old uniforms. They get some really odd stuff some times.
If it comes to this you might want to ring some junk/antique shops, I’ve found allot of cool uniforms at places like that (all far too big for me but the fact remains).
Surely there must be a costume rental shop in your area? My experience with such places are that they will bend over backwards to get you what you need. I directed that show many years ago with a subminimal budget, but we were still able to come up with the $30 or so we needed. I’m sure prices are higher now, but it would still be cheaper than buying a few pieces and trying to make them look right.
Thanks for all the input! I’ll have to figure out exactly what to put together and what the show can afford.
The character (in the context of his appearance) is arriving in the U.S. as a guest instructor, so I’m not sure if camouflage is the best way to go. I’m not in the military myself so I’m not sure if there’s a protocol involved here (or if it really matters enough for the show).
The jumper and shirt are blue - and no army man would wear blue (and certainly not a blue uniform - that’s the navy). You need olive green or Khaki. The beret is too big, and the wrong shape, and the wrong colour.
Also what ever that stick thing is it’s not a swagger stick. A swagger stick is something that’s used to measure out paces by a drill sergeant.
This is local theator, not broadway, and I was simply suggesting that he buy something cool that could look like a swagger stick at a distance. I know it isn’t really a swagger stick, having seen the brig’ in action. Re: the colors, their is such a thing as clothing dye, and I am trying to be frugal. Besides, the site also has black swaeters, just new, not used. Jeez, try and help, and… :dubious:
Well, this is the Straight Dope. I figured if anybody knew what the real uniform (and insigna) looked like, it’d be here.
Authenticity isn’t terribly important because, after all, it’s just a show. I do want to get close, but it needn’t be the real McCoy shipped straight from London.
However, this particular stage is a very, very, very small space: three-quarter round stage, if you know what that means, and the audience can sometimes reach out and touch the performers (if they were so inclined, or if they were elderly and had no particular social inhibitions to speak of).
So it needn’t be a completely 100% authentic uniform, but those little patches that say “U.S. Army” and those dratted American flags and eagles, well, let’s just say that the uniform jackets piled in the costume closet right now would need a thorough going-over. People will be able to read them from where they sit.
If anybody is familiar with the kind of mishmash of clothing one finds in a local theater’s costume closet – especially one celebrating its 60th anniversary – then one can imagine the kind of inappropriate collection of Air Force uniforms, 1940 sailors’ whites, Vietnam-era fatigues, and (erk) bandleader outfits that are all lumped together as “military costume.”
In short - the British Army wear green or khaki. Don’t have name tags on their clothes and the regimental badges are smaller and less “brash” - ie usually swords and crowns not eagles and lightening.
THe berets are also smaller (and wouldn’t be worn all the time - only on parade.)
And they wear their NCO chevrons pointing the proper way–down!
And for God’s sake, don’t salute without your hat on. And give the proper salute (palm outwards, not “edge on” as the Americans do).
Actually, just get a set of Desert Storm-type camoflage pants/shirt, a red beret, and splash out on the proper cap badge:
Note that you should buy the “Other Rank’s” cap badge, (stock #UN 03, not an officer’s one. You’re a sergeant, not an officer–you work for a living!) They will also sell you the beret to go with it, I see. (If the word “beret” comes up in your lines, pronounce it “berry,” for greater authenticity).
Erm no - not a red Beret - that’s the Parachute Regiment only (they refer to all other regiments as “craphats”). Royal Engineers would wear green.
However as he is a “demolitions expert” which implies woking behind enemy lines - he could be a SAS specialist. I challenge you to find their uniform on the net
Oops, you’re quite right, Owlstretchingtime. (Although technically, the Paras wear maroon, not red berets. I think the CRMP wear red, though).
He needs a dark navy blue beret.
Of course, “badged” SAS types wear a distinctive tan beret; but specialists serving with the Regiment keep their own headgear & badges, I believe. Of course, in the field, they’re mostly in shemags or whatnot…
Oh, and if you’ve got a spare 125 quid buring a hole in your pocket:
