By Shamsiya Hussainpoor
Upwey’s Singularity Choir is preparing to bring a splash of colour, charm and old-school theatre magic to the stage – thanks in no small part to their beloved costume artist, Helen Ebbsworthy, whose hand-crafted creations have become a much-loved feature of the group’s annual Gilbert and Sullivan operettas.
Singularity has been running for close to 20 years, performing classical choral works for charity. But it’s their yearly costumed production that gets everyone talking – not just for the music, but for the sheer joy and visual feast that Ms Ebbsworthy helps bring to life.
This year’s show, ‘Iolanthe’, is a characteristically quirky tale of fairies and politicians, complete with dramatic costumes and surprise wings.
Ms Ebbsworthy, a long-time volunteer, now oversees the entire look of each production – choosing colours, designing styles, and stitching it all together from op shop treasures like doona covers and hospital sheets. What she can create from a $2 find is nothing short of magical.
“She’s just extraordinary,” choir manager, Margaret Tyson said.
“She creates everything from scratch – even the flowers in the fairies’ hair. She cuts them out of curtains, sews in beads, and matches each set to the costume’s colour palette. It’s creative and meticulous and done with so much love.”
But it’s not just about looking beautiful – it’s about feeling it. Ms Ebbsworthy takes great care in making each singer feel confident, no matter their age or body type.
Ms Tyson said Ms Ebbsworthy works with mannequins of different shapes and sizes at home, and cleverly tailors each costume to flatter the person wearing it.
“The singers don’t always know why they look so good – but it’s because Ms Ebbsworthy’s thought through every little detail,” Ms Tyson said.
This year, Ms Ebbsworthy most theatrical challenge has been designing hidden channels in the British peers’ jackets to allow fairy wings to spring out on cue.
“It looks like magic,” Ms Tyson said.
“Bright, colourful wings suddenly bursting out of very serious costumes – it’s one of those moments that gets a real reaction from the crowd.”
The show will be performed on Sunday, 18 May at 2pm at Upwey Baptist Community Church, complete with a proper afternoon tea put on by the church community.
The event is entirely volunteer-run, and ticket sales go directly to a local charity chosen by the church – last year’s concert helped fund their weekly meal program.
Every person involved donates their time, including the singers, costumers and musical director Cecily Woodbury.
The choir is supported by Coonara Community House in Upper Ferntree Gully, which helps with insurance and admin.
For those who love music, costumes, and a good community afternoon out, this is one event not to miss.
“It’s a beautiful show, and it raises money for a great cause,” Ms Tyson said.
“There’s something really special about coming together for that.”
To book online, visit: www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1323701 or at the door on the day.
