Most costume changes demanded by a lead theatrical role

The most complete costume changes in a lead theatrical role is 37, achieved by Des Coghlan-Forbes (“Joe Casey”), assisted by Costume Designer Molly Fraser and Wardrobe Assistant Lucy Vickers (all UK), in the National Youth Music Theatre production of Our House directed by Nick Evans at Southwark Playhouse Elephant in, London, UK, from 22 to 24 August 2024.

Des beat the record set by the actor Michael Jibson, who played the same role in the same musical in London's West End in 2002-03. The costume changes - some of them achieved in under five seconds - are required by the script, which sees the same character living through two different timelines, with specific costumes for each timeline requiring rapid changes throughout the show. Additional changes can be made at the discretion of the Director, depending on how the musical is staged.

The book for Our House is written by Tim Firth, and features music adapted from the catalogue of the British pop and ska band Madness, fronted by singer-songwriter Graham "Suggs" McPherson. It was the 2003 Laurence Olivier Award winner for Best New Musical. Early on, the story splits into two different paths for the lead character Joe: one in which he makes good decision, and one in which be makes a bad decision. The 2024 production by the National Youth Music Theatre (NYMT) ran at the Southwark Playhouse Elephant in London; the former record holder, Michael Jibson, is coincidentally a patron of the NYMT.