Musical theatre youths set costume change record

Actor Des Coghlan-Forbes, right, set the new world record with help from costume designer Molly Fraser, centre, and wardrobe assistant Lucy Vickers

The National Youth Music Theatre (NYMT) has set a new world record for the highest number of costume changes by a lead actor.

Des Coghlan-Forbes, 17, changed costume 37 times while playing the role of Joe Casey in the production of Our House at the Southwark Playhouse in south-east London.

The previous record was 29.

“I was thrilled to be able to witness Des achieve so many quick changes during Our House, some of them in under five seconds," said Guinness World Records assessor Craig Glenday.

The National Youth Music Theatre celebrate their world record

“What a remarkably talented young performer. I’ve always been a big fan of The National Youth Music Theatre, it’s such an inspirational organisation, and as the team has just proved, this versatile family of actors and creatives can turn their hand to anything."

Our House is based on the music of London band Madness, famous for 1980s hits including Baggy Trousers and House of Fun.

Des beat the the previous Guinness World Record for most complete costume changes in a lead theatrical role with help from costume designer Molly Fraser and wardrobe assistant Lucy Vickers.

The previous record was set by costume designer Paul Kieve during the original West End production of the show with patron and NYMT alumni and Olivier award winner Mike Jibson, who originated the role of Joe Casey.