Blackpool Sixth STUDENTS MAKEOVER THE BLACKPOOL TOWER DUNGEONS’ PLAGUE DOCTOR
The Blackpool Tower Dungeons’ popular Plague Doctor character has undergone a
makeover courtesy of students at The Blackpool Sixth Form College.
In an exclusive partnership between the attraction, based on Blackpool’s famous
promenade, and the college, history, art, and fashion students have created costumes that
represent a Plague Doctor from the middle ages and a Plague Doctor from the future.
First year students from A-level Modern History and Ancient History and BTEC Level 3 Art
and Design Practice, researched and designed several costume options. The art students
then pitched their ideas to Jamie Humphrey, Performance Manager at The Blackpool
Dungeons and his team, who selected their favourite designs.
Merlin, operators of The Blackpool Dungeon, provided year two, BTEC Level 3 Fashion
students, Liv Power (18), Emily Billington (17), Jess Paley (17) and Rio Alcantara Caminero
(18), with the materials needed to bring the designs to life. The medieval costume will now
be worn by the actors that play the Plague Doctor in the show.
Jamie Humphrey, Performance Manager at The Blackpool Tower Dungeon said: “The
Blackpool Tower Dungeon gives visitors the opportunity to learn about the rich history of the
area in a fun and entertaining way. This partnership with The Blackpool Sixth Form College
takes the essence of this into the classroom, and we’re thrilled to be able to provide history,
art and fashion students with valuable experience to support their studies and future careers.
“The standard of the creative ideas and final designs was exceptional and I was thoroughly
impressed with all the students, who worked extremely hard.”
Elaine Davies, head of visual arts at Blackpool Sixth said: “When The Blackpool Tower
Dungeon approached us with the initiative, we knew that it would be an invaluable
opportunity for the students to work on a live, client brief.
“From the history students researching ideas, to the art students developing the designs,
and the fashion students constructing the costumes, they have worked collaboratively to
meet the client’s brief to a professional standard. This was a unique opportunity for the
students and we have seen their confidence grow throughout the process. They have
worked extremely hard, working on the brief outside of their studies. It has been a positive
experience all round and has supported many of the student’s university applications.”
Liv Power, BTEC Fashion student at Blackpool Sixth said: “I was really inspired to undertake
this project and I enjoyed the whole experience. We have all learnt many new skills and
developed a greater understanding of the industry. Most importantly it supported my
university application and I have received an unconditional offer for my chosen course.’’
The Blackpool Tower Dungeon features a series of live shows including Pendle Witches,
The Torturer and Dark Chapel, each telling the story of Lancashire’s dark historical past.
Visitors descend into the depths of The Blackpool Tower Dungeon by the mediaeval lift and
make their way through the specially designed sets, each with special effects and scary
story telling from the professional cast.