Hello! My name is Lottie, and I played Esme Fanning in the NYMT 2024 production of Catastrophe Bay. I’m 13 years old, and I’ve reached a point in my theatre journey where I’m seriously considering pursuing it professionally. This was my first time participating in NYMT or anything of the sort, and I was inspired to audition after watching the 2023 production of Kiss Me, Kate. I was shocked by the level of skill and talent on that stage, and I knew right then... I had to be a part of it! 

Catastrophe Bay is a brilliantly written show and the production was incredible. For me, one of the best parts of the whole experience was my costume fitting. 

My costume was a beautiful mix of colours, patterns, and layers—I loved it! It started with cream bloomers, a yellow patterned skirt, and a flowery blouse, and that was just the first layer. On top, I wore a tartan dress with the skirt pulled up in ruches along the sides and back (the costume team’s motto: ‘You can never have too many ruches!’). Over the dress, I had a red waistcoat with elbow-length sleeves and a corset lace-up detail on the front – my absolute favourite piece! To finish the look, I wore a small brown and maroon neck scarf and my own black Doc Martens. I was very pleased to wear my own boots because they were comfortable and broken in, and when given the choice, I just couldn’t say no to them! 

The day I got my costume fitted was probably the most surreal experience I’ve ever had. I walked into the fitting room, and it was filled from top to bottom with racks of colourful fabric, all cut and sewn into the most incredible dresses, trousers, and more. I had never seen anything like it! I stood there as the costume team worked their magic, layering and matching pieces together like a puzzle, well at least to me. I couldn’t begin to fathom what was going through their minds, but when I looked down and saw my costume – my costume – it felt like a dream come true. 

It was possibly the best day ever. No, scratch that – it was the best day ever.