Storybook, is today’s fancy dress suggestion, although you may have though, we would have used Musicals as it’s the thirtieth anniversary of the stage show ‘Cats’ today. Opening at the New London Theatre on this date in 1981 the concept of a musical set around a refuse-tip with a cast of human cats was something of a novelty. Originally Judi Dench was to star in the production but she damaged her tendon days before the launch and her part of Grizabella was given to Elaine Paige, who was also given the big ‘Memory’ number to sing. Like most Lloyd Webber musicals, the show was a great success and it spawned many international versions.

Now the obvious theme for today would be Cats. However not everyone is necessarily enamoured of our feline friends, so we could use the fact that the first known book was printed in China around this date in 868 to broaden the theme to Storybook so people can pick and choose their costume character. Oh, and if you have a particular thing for black cat costumes, keep it handy for later this week – Friday 13^th.

We have covered costume ideas for a storybook theme quite a few times on this blog, these blogs really concentrate on childrens’ book character ideas but they should give you lots of costume ideas, or at least some inspiration. We do find that the more traditional characters are the most popular for this theme, otherwise, you will be explaining who you have come dressed up as all night long, which may get a bit irritating!