Animals Costume Theme

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Parrot - Lightweightview

Parrot - Lightweight

£41.70
Batgirl Costume Ladiesview

Batgirl Costume Ladies

£40.00

Animals Costume Theme
Animals as a general fancy dress theme does give you a great variety of costumes to choose from. And, if you don’t fancy dressing up in a complete animal costume, you always have the choice of wearing one of our fabulous animals overhead masks or face bops. We also stock a range of animal parts such as hands, feet and tails so that you can create your own animal look, or accessorise a catsuit, morphsuit or onesie.

When choosing an animal costume, there are several decisions to be made beyond just what animal to be, and some of the choices may be limited by what is available on the market.

First decision – fur or fabric?  Most animal costumes might be expected to be fur-based and indeed many are, but some come in fleece or fabric and this might be relevant if you anticipate wearing the outfit in a warm environment. As a general rule, fur-based may cost more but offers a better look and in fact some costumes with ‘long fur’ may be cooler than those with short fur or fleece, as the pile density is not so intense.

Second decision – animal overhead mask or make-up? Most off-the-peg costumes will come with a full-face overhead mask which gives a better overall ‘authenticity’ to the outfit but can create something of a problem when it comes to eating, drinking and seeing where you are going (or speaking your lines if you are in a play). Some outfits may offer ‘half-face’ options which leave the lower face free, others may have the animal’s head worn on top of the wearer’s head but the usual alternative to the overhead mask is a balaclava in matched fur/fabric leaving the face free with the option to create a face-paint design. Some animal designs are easier than others – cats, dogs, lions, tigers etc. are not too difficult, but others such as horses and birds can be more of a challenge! Sometimes there is help in the form of novelty prosthetic noses or beaks, but occasionally you just have to improvise or use your imagination.

Here are a few ideas for animals you can be:-

  • Cats – Black cats are particularly popular around Halloween, as is Catwoman
  • Dogs such as Scooby Doo or various breeds (Boxers, Bulldogs and Dalmatians)
  • Bats – what about a Batman or Batgirl costume?
  • Mouse
  • Rabbit
  • Pig
  • Kermit the Frog
  • Chicken
  • Gorilla
  • Lion
  • Tiger
  • Parrot
  • Ride-on Emu or Ostrich – hire only
  • Pantomime Cow, Horse or Camel (one and two person versions can be found, although the two-person types may not be practical in some party situations) – Hire only
  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle
  • Butterflies and Insects (some might contest ‘Insects’ as ‘Animals’)

Sometimes an animal costume theme is made more specific, so take a look at the list (on the left) which will give you lots of animal theme options. We have even got some examples of animal songs to play during your event…

So are you going to be a party animal? With Props & Frocks, you certainly can!

Cats Fancy Dress

Catwoman Ladies Costumeview

Catwoman Ladies Costume

£36.00

Cats Fancy Dress Theme
Looking for a theme idea thats the cats whiskers? Its almost thirty years since Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Cats’ hit the London stage (11th May 1981, since you ask). So, what better reason than to celebrate famous cats? Children’s fiction and verse is littered with cats of note, from Orlando the Marmalade cat to the Cheshire Cat of Wonderland. There are the various cats found in Nursery Rhymes from the Cat and the Fiddle to the One that went up to London to look at the Queen. Plus, of course, there is the TS Eliot Book of Practical Cats upon which Lloyd Webbers mewsical was based. Also, with Halloween in mind, black cats are renowned for their involvement in the field of Superstition and Witchcraft.

Okay, a cat theme is a little female orientated and even then, not everyone favours the catsuit look, but as always at Props & Frocks we aim to cater to all tastes and can perhaps offer some interesting suggestions: For example, although the event (like the World) might be based around cats (Dogs have masters, Cats have staff), it may be permissible to involve some non-feline partners in the festivities, on the grounds that cats have been part of many famous pairings Dick Whittington and his cat, the Owl & the Pussycat, Tom & Jerry, Sylvester & Tweety and so on. It may also make for a bit of variety!

Creating a basic cat does not usually involve much expense or effort – many a hennight has been based around a suitable frock with added tail and cats-ears accessories and a bit of face-paint, but with a little willing and a bit more preparation there are plenty of other avenues to explore. For a start, there are a wide range of cat-style masks on the market, from the winged domino mask to more elaborate Venetian-style affairs, but if you want to use make-up instead, from a simple design to a full-face creation, we will be happy to help.

Starting with the standard cat-suit based cat (which might be fur, lycra or stretch-knit based, depending upon preference and environment), we also stock a wonderful black petticoat dress that makes a fantastic base for a lovely cat costume (and stays away from the lycra!) The standard cat offers you a number of character options, the Nursery Rhyme cats already mentioned, Dick Whittington’s companion, or the original version of Catwoman from the Batman TV series. The latter was such a challenging role it was played by three different actresses (including Eartha Kitt) over the run of the series and the subsequent film. More recent incarnations of Catwoman are mentioned below.

For a cat with character, you need look no further than Puss-in-Boots. Admittedly, the most recent Shrek incarnation has been male (voiced by Antonio Banderas) whilst, thanks to traditional pantomime convention, Puss has usually been played by a she. Either option is available from us here at Props n Frocks and at least this is a cat with class, a dashing outfit and a nifty pair of boots.

Of course you might want to set your sights higher than a mere pussy-cat and go for the Big Cats – Tigers, Leopards, Cheetahs and the like. Luckily there are a good number of such animal print costumes available, although if the heat factor is relevant, most are based on plush fur fabric so may prove hot in the wrong way. Alternatively animal print leotards may be the way forward with body and face-paint being used for the bits the costume does not cover. For the very brave there is a leopard Morphsuit as well!

Why not wear one of our big cat masks if you do not want to wear a complete big cat costume

Other leading cat characters of recent years have been the updated versions of Catwoman. Despite appearing in 1992, the black PVC-clad version portrayed by Michelle Pfeiffer continues to be a regular request, whilstHalleBerrys street-fighter Catwoman of 2003 (which was not related to the Batman franchise) continues to have a following, even if the film itself was not a great success. More recently, Anne Hathaway has added her cat-burglar Catwoman impression in ‘The Dark Knight Rises’.

If you are wanting something a little more exotic, original and with a touch of the godlike, the Ancient Egyptians were very keen on cats and worshipped them -they even had their own temples! There were two cat-headed deities. The first, Bast (or Bastet) was roughly the equivalent of the Roman Goddess Venus in having Love and Fertility in her remit. This is an original sex kitten, the costume perhaps being a cross between a sexy Cleopatra and a Catwoman. At the other end of the spectrum was Sekhmet, the lioness headed goddess of War and Retribution, so something based on an armoured Warrior Princess cum Lioness could create a good (or god) impression here.

Perhaps the whole cat/animal thing isnt quite you. No matter! Aside from well known TV presenter Cat Dealy (not too sure how you impersonate her, but dont let practicality get in the way of a good idea) theres Pussy Galore played by Honor Blackman from the Bond film Goldfinger. (It was Honor Blackmans stint in a catsuit on The Avengers that got her the role in the film). Alternatively you could try Jane Fonda in one of her less remembered roles, the cowgirl Cat Ballou, a film she starred in with Lee Marvin. For cartoon fans, we have already mentioned Tom Cat and Sylvester, but theres also Top Cat and his gang Benny the Ball, Choo-choo, etc. Not that weve necessarily got these off-the-peg, but we may be able to help with key elements.

Of course having used the Cats musical as an excuse for this posting, weve not given this much coverage. This is because of the vast range of costumes and looks involved. If you are a fan, you will already know this, if youre not, we wouldnt want to take up space on something of specialist interest. Perhaps if theres enough demand we might put together a special sheet, but there are plenty of reference resources available on the Web in the meantime.

How about dressing up as Cat Stevens?

Of course if your cat costume is a bit ragged or your cat make-up attempt is a disaster, put your paw in a sling, wear an eye-patch and collar label ‘Lucky’ and go as ‘Cat-astrophe’.

Posted in Animals, Cats | Tagged cat accessories, cat costume ideas, cat fancy dress ideas, cat masks, cat tails | Leave a reply

A Walk On The Wild Side

Tiger Overhead Animal Maskview

Tiger Overhead Animal Mask

£15.85
Face Bops With Lion Noiseview

Face Bops With Lion Noise

£7.45
Elephant Over Head Maskview

Elephant Over Head Mask

£19.65
Hippo Overhead Animal Maskview

Hippo Overhead Animal Mask

£17.65
Monkey Overhead Animal Maskview

Monkey Overhead Animal Mask

£19.20

A Walk On The Wild Side

This fancy dress theme has many different ways of looking at it, and possibly you’ve arrived here because the Blissfields Festival at Winchester (4th-5th July 2014) has chosen the Wild Side theme this year.

Obviously we have a wide range of animal costumes & masks that you could wear for this costume theme (some illustrated below), although others, such as our superb range of mascot-style outfits are unfortunately unsuitable for festival use! We also thought you could work with the following idea areas:

  • Safari Costumes – The days of the Big Game Hunter are almost over and now its all down to the photograher and naturalist.
  • Tribal Costumes – Some good potential here, but exercise caution – ‘blacking/browning up can be considered offensive to some. Best to use colourful tribal prints and designs instead.
  • Zoo Keeper – Well someone’s got to look after the animals!
  • Tarzan & Jane – The original jungle doo
  • Insects such as butterflies (we stock ladies costumes and a great range of butterfly wings)
  • Wild Man (or Women) of rock n roll – thinking outside the box and away from the jungle. Think Ozzy Osborne, Alice Cooper, Arthur Brown (?).
  • Wild West Costumes
  • Wild Turkey – Potent drink and interesting costuming concept!
  • Oscar Wilde – Famous writer and poet of the late Victorian era (he died 1900)
  • Mountaineer or Outdoorsman/woman – Work with the spirit of the extreme explorers and sportspeople taking on the Wild.
  • Wild Night Out Plenty of options for this!

If you’re not at a festival, but doing this theme, music to play for a Walk on the Wild Side event might include:

  • The Lion Sleeps tonight – Tight Fit
  • Wild Thing – The Troggs
  • Wild Ones – Flo Rida
  • Really Wild Child – Iggy Pop
  • Wild Boys –  Duran duran
  • Eye Of The Tiger – Survivor
  • Where The Wild Roses Grow –  Nick Cave & Kylie Minogue
  • Tiger Feet – Mud
  • Wild Side Of The Night  – Status Quo
  • Funky Gibbon  – The Goodies
  • Wild Horses  – Rolling Stones
  • Wild is The Wind  – Bon Jovi
  • Born To Be Wild  – Steppenwolf
  • Go Wild In The Country  – Bow Wow Wow
  • Animals – Nikelback
  • A Horse With No Name  – America
  • Blackbird – The Beatles
  • Free As a Bird  – The Beatles
  • Hungry Like The Wolf  – Duran Duran
  • Hound Dog –  Elvis
  • Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer!
  • The Lovecats  – The Cure
  • Tie Me Kangaroo Down Sport  – Rolf Harris
  • Whats New Pussycat? – Tom Jones
  • When I see An Elephant Fly –  Cliff Ukulele Ike Edwards
  • Who Let The Dogs out?  – Baha Men
  • Antmusic  – Adam & The Ants
  • Bat Out Of Hell  – Meatloaf
  • Birdie Song  – The Tweets
  • Canary in a Coalmine  – The Police
  • Crazy Horses  – The Osmonds
  • Crocodile Shoes  – Jimmy Nail
  • Dog Eat Dog –  Adam & The Ants / AC DC
  • Eagle  – Abba
  • Fireflies –  Fleetwood Mac /Owl City
  • I’m Like a Bird  – Nelly Furtado
  • Little Red Rooster – Rolling Stones
  • Love Is Like a Butterfly  – Dolly Parton
  • Mustang Sally – Wildon Pickett
  • Rockin Robin  – Michael Jackson
  • Wings of a Dove – Madness
  • Roar – Katy Perry
Posted in A Walk On The Wild Side | Leave a reply

Jungle Songs

Face Bops With Tiger Noiseview

Face Bops With Tiger Noise

£7.45
Monkey Overhead Animal Maskview

Monkey Overhead Animal Mask

£19.20

Songs to play at your Jungle themed event:

  • Wild Thing – The Troggs
  • The Lion Sleep Tonight – The Tokens
  • Cowboy In the Jungle – Bob Marley
  • Welcome to The Jungle –  Guns & Roses
  • Roar – Katy Perry
  • Jungle Fever – Stevie Wonder
  • King Of The Swingers from Jungle Book
  • Jungle – Electric Light Orchestra
  • Monkey Man – Rolling Stones
  • Shock The Monkey – Peter Gabriel
  • Apeman – The Kinks
  • Eye Of The Tiger – Survivor
  • Tarzan Boy – Baltimora
  • Buffalo Soldier –  Bob Marley
  • Iron Lion Zion  – Bob Marley
  • Octopus’ Garden – The Beatles
  • See You Later Alligator – Bill Haley
  • She Wolf – Shakira
  • Mud – Flanders & Swann
  • The Main Monkey – Business Rush
  • Tie Me Kangaroo Down Sport – Rolf Harris
  • I’m a Gnu – Flanders & Swann
  • Wild Horses – Rolling Stones
Posted in Jungle Song Ideas | Tagged Jungle song Ideas, jungle theme songs, wild animal song ideas | Leave a reply

Jungle Fancy Dress Ideas

Tiger Overhead Animal Maskview

Tiger Overhead Animal Mask

£15.85
Elephant Over Head Maskview

Elephant Over Head Mask

£19.65

Jungle Themed Fancy Dress

A jungle theme will basically be an excuse for dressing up as an animal. Now not everyone will relish the idea of wearing a full furry animal costume, so why not take a look at our wide range of animal masks, our range includes:

  • Lions
  • Tigers
  • Bison
  • Elephant
  • Gorillas
  • Hippopotamus
  • Pandas
  • Penguin more for the A Walk On The Wild Side Theme

Our animal face bob range (you can talk, eat and drink with these masks on, so are quite practical for a fancy dress party. All you would need to do is wear clothing in the appropriate colour. The range includes:

  • Zebra
  • Leopards
  • Lions
  • Tigers
  • Elephants
  • Parrots
  • Monkeys
  • Wolf

This costume theme may also be called:

A Walk On The Wild Side

Apart from the obvious range of animal costumes & masks that you could wear for this costume theme, and listed above, we also thought you could wear the following costumes:

  • Safari Costumes
  • Tribal Costumes
  • Zoo Keeper
  • Tarzan & Jane
  • Marine Animals
  • Insects such as butterflies (we stock ladies costumes and a great range of butterfly wings)
  • Wild Man (or Women) of rock n roll
  • Wild West Costumes
  • Wild Turkey Potent drink!
  • Wild Night Out just turn up looking like youve had a couple over the top already