I don’t know if Annie Hardinge has costume designed most of your favorite TV shows and films, but she sure has costumed a disturbing amount of mine. From Black Books, The Mighty Boosh, Spaced, The IT Crowd, and Extras, to cult films like Shaun of the Dead and Hot Fuzz, her work in the realm of surreal British comedy is kind of legendary. But as comfortable as she is designing for science fiction and contemporary productions, she’s equally at home in period film and television.
Blackadder II (1986)
We aren’t kidding when we say that this comedy series has some of the best Elizabethan costumes committed to film.
“I may have a body of a weak and feeble woman, but I have the heart and stomach of a concrete elephant.”
Blackadder the Third (1987)
Ditto with it’s follow-up season, set in the 18th century.
Blackadder Goes Forth (1989)
The fourth installment to the Blackadder series is set during World War I, and again, Hardinge knocks it out of the park.
The Nearly Complete and Utter History of Everything (1999)
You can watch the entirety of this millennium-themed comedy special on YouTube:
Part 1:
Part 2:
AD/BC: A Rock Opera (2004)
A tribute to Jesus Christ Superstar told from the point of view of the Innkeeper and starring some familiar faces (if you’ve followed British surreal comedy in the last 20 years).
Comedy Showcase: Chickens (2011)
Set in 1914, the show follows a group of conscientious objectors in the run up to World War One.
A Young Doctor’s Notebook & Other Stories (2012-2013)
This is one I’ve been meaning to review. Starring Daniel Radcliffe and Jon Hamm.
Austenland (2013)
I still haven’t seen this. I know, I’m WAY overdue.
The Adventurer: The Curse of the Midas Box (2013)
I fell on this grenade and watched this so you don’t have to. That said, the costumes, especially Lena Headey’s, are really good.
Mr. Sloane (2014)
Starring Nick Frost and Olivia Coleman, about a depressed accountant whose life is going to shit in 1969 Hertfordshire, UK.
Our Zoo (2014)
Based on the true story of the man who founded the Chester Zoo after coming home traumatized from the Great War.
What’s your favorite show with costumes designed by Annie Hardinge? Share it with us in the comments!
What does it say when a comedy series has better period costuming than big budget movies?
Queenie FTW! MIranda Richardson is brilliant. :)
Oh, gawd–Hugh Laurie’s Prince Regent in his satins and wigs, and Richardson as the heiress who moonlights as a highway woman. Blackadder 3 is just the best. (For some reason, I don’t really like Richardson in dramatic roles, but she is a fabulous comedian.)
I’m cackling right now thinking about that storyline. “Woof, woof!” :)
A study in quality over quantity!
Have loved Blackadder since he first appeared and, yes, the costumes are amazing. If it can be done for a TV series with a moderate budget, why can’t other shows and films manage to be at least more reasonable? ‘Austenland’ is a hoot; a film we have returned to more than once.
All of these costumes look excellent!