Everything including the kitchen rug! Taking to the MusicalCon Cosplay stage

We caught up with Christopher Bryan (@christopher.cosplay) after he came second in the Musical Con Cosplay Competition this year!

How long have you been involved in amateur theatre?

I have taken part in professional and amateur theatre back in New Zealand as a member of AMT (Auckland Musical Theatre), but before this year my last musical was over 12 years ago. I got involved this year again after quite some time away from the stage in Seussical with Bros Theatre Company taking up a role as one of the mischievous Wickersham Brothers and had an absolute blast. It has been fantastic to get involved with the world again and i’ve been so creatively fulfilled. It is excellent to be a part of a community again especially one so welcoming and friendly.

What made you first join an amateur theatre group?

I’ve been in London almost 9 years now and I was itching to do something creative again with my time. I had started following NODA to see notifications of auditions within the Greater London area, but by chance, I ran into a friend on the tube who was just coming back from auditions for Seussical, so when the opportunity came up I jumped at the chance to be a part of a show again. I emailed the producers as soon as I got home and had a couple of days of preparation to hit my audition two days later.

Which amateur theatre groups have you been a part of?

In London I’ve been a member of Bros Theatre Company.

What is the favourite role you have played and, or what, musical role have you always dreamed of playing?

My favourite role I’ve played has been Melchior in Spring Awakening but i’ve also had a lot of fun as Billy in Anything Goes.

Your journey to MusicalCon, what inspired you to get involved with the competition?

I’ve always been a fan of elaborate costumes and I admire the eye for design that goes into each costume. My husband is quite a dab hand with cosplay. I’ve had to increase my skills to match his intricate costumes each year and was the first year winner! (Red Death - Phantom of the Opera). Last year, I created a Technicolour Dreamcoat that I entered in the Cosplay Competition at Musical Con that landed me in the final but I did not place. So this year I was determined to outstrip my effort from last year and building Scar has used so many different skills from photoshop, sewing, moulding, painting, foam modelling and working with bamboo and fishing wire! My husband was not too pleased to find me cutting up our kitchen rug to create my tail...

How was your experience being a featured part of the weekend?

It was a fantastic weekend and everyone was so welcoming and lovely. It was great to be around like-minded people who have such a fierce love for musical theatre. The reception to my Scar costume in particular has been overwhelming. I was ecstatic to hit runner-up in the Cosplay Competition and have the opportunity to speak about the process of making my outfit.

Last question, did you visit the NODA stand - what did you think?

Yes, the NODA stand was incredible, a great opportunity to see costumes from other productions and speak to people heavily involved in the wider community. Having a wonderfully lit photo stand was also a bonus.