Kiss of the Spider Woman Revival: Anna-Jane Casey Reveals Stunning Handmade Costumes by Tony Winner Gabriella Slade

The first major revival of Kiss of the Spider Woman in more than three decades is captivating audiences with its powerful storytelling, stellar performances, and truly spectacular costume design. Star Anna-Jane Casey recently offered a behind-the-scenes look at the dazzling outfits she wears as the enigmatic Aurora, each one lovingly handcrafted from some of the finest fabrics available. It is a rare and fascinating glimpse into the artistry that goes into bringing a West End-calibre production to life on the regional touring circuit.

A Landmark Musical Returns to the UK Stage

Kiss of the Spider Woman has been absent from major UK stages for over 30 years, making this co-production between Curve Leicester, Bristol Old Vic, and Mayflower Southampton a genuinely significant theatrical event. The musical, based on Argentine author Manuel Puig's celebrated 1976 novel, tells the story of two prisoners, Molina and Valentin, who form an unlikely and deeply moving bond while sharing a cell in a Latin American jail. As Molina recounts elaborate fantasies about a glamorous film star known as Aurora, or the Spider Woman, the boundaries between reality and imagination begin to blur, and their relationship evolves in unexpected ways.

The stage adaptation features a book by the legendary Terrence McNally, with music by John Kander and lyrics by Fred Ebb. When it premiered on Broadway in 1993, the show was a sensation, sweeping seven Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Book of a Musical, and Best Original Score. Chita Rivera's iconic performance in the title role remains one of the most celebrated in Broadway history. This new production, directed by Paul Foster, has already earned glowing critical reviews during its initial run at Curve's Studio Theatre.

Anna-Jane Casey Shines as Aurora

At the centre of this revival is Anna-Jane Casey, a performer well known to British theatre audiences for her remarkable versatility across musicals and plays. Casey takes on the role of Aurora, the mysterious and alluring Spider Woman who haunts Molina's fantasies. It is a part that demands extraordinary stage presence, and Casey has proven more than equal to the challenge.

Joining her are Fabian Soto Pacheco as Molina, the romantic and imaginative window dresser imprisoned for a morality offence, and George Blagden as Valentin, the politically driven revolutionary who initially resists Molina's friendship. Together, the trio form the emotional core of a production that balances intimate drama with sweeping musical spectacle.

Gabriella Slade's Award-Winning Costume Design

One of the most talked-about elements of this production is the stunning costume design by Gabriella Slade, whose work has earned her WhatsOnStage, Olivier, and Tony Awards. Slade is renowned for her ability to create costumes that are not merely beautiful but serve as powerful storytelling tools. Fans of London theatre may recognise her work from productions including Six and Tina - The Tina Turner Musical, both of which showcased her gift for bold, character-defining design.

For Kiss of the Spider Woman, Slade has created a collection of outfits that reflect Aurora's dual nature as both glamorous screen idol and sinister supernatural figure. During a recent backstage visit to Curve, Casey walked viewers through three of her favourite costumes from the show, highlighting the intricate craftsmanship and attention to detail that has gone into every piece. The costumes have been handmade using premium fabrics, with crystal embellishment by Crystalled by Jane, custom footwear by LaDuca, and millinery created by Academy Costume and Annabeth Fernley.

The Unsung Heroes Behind the Wardrobe

While Slade's design vision sets the creative direction, it takes a small army of skilled professionals to bring each costume from sketch to stage. The wardrobe department at Curve is led by head of wardrobe Rachael Matthews, with Eden Lorinson serving as assistant head and Hannah Pickering as deputy head. Wardrobe maintenance is handled by Elena Green, who is also one of the costume makers alongside DSI and Holly O'Neill.

The costume technicians responsible for construction and fitting include Jennifer Adegy, Katy Bulmer, Jo Hunnisett, Holly O'Neill, and Mariane Roesdahl. Costume breakdown is the work of Max Stevenson, with costume dyeing by Sheila White. Justin Allin serves as costume supervisor, ensuring every element comes together seamlessly for each performance.

The production's attention to visual detail extends beyond costumes into wigs, hair, and makeup. Jackie Saundercock designed the makeup looks, while Jenni Tebbutt leads the wigs, hair, and makeup team with Natasha Pawluk as deputy. Wig design is by Sam Cox, and the wigs and hair supervisor is Charlie Watson. Dressers Anya Daya and Connie McGrath complete the backstage team, making sure Casey and the rest of the cast look impeccable from the moment the curtain rises.

Where and When to See Kiss of the Spider Woman

This co-production is designed to tour between its three producing venues, giving audiences across the south and southwest of England the chance to experience this rare revival. The show is currently playing at Curve's Studio Theatre in Leicester until 25 April 2025. It then transfers to Bristol Old Vic, where it will run from 29 April to 16 May. The tour concludes at Mayflower Studios in Southampton from 2 to 6 June.

Given the critical praise this production has already received and the relatively short runs at each venue, demand for tickets is expected to be high. Theatre fans who missed the original Broadway and West End runs in the 1990s now have a rare opportunity to see this Tony Award-winning musical performed live.

Why This Revival Matters

Kiss of the Spider Woman is not simply a nostalgic revival. The themes of the musical, exploring identity, political repression, the power of storytelling, and the search for human connection in desperate circumstances, feel as urgent and relevant today as they did when Puig wrote his novel nearly five decades ago. The decision to stage it in intimate studio spaces rather than cavernous West End houses is a bold creative choice that promises to intensify the emotional impact of the piece.

With a cast led by the exceptional Anna-Jane Casey, direction by Paul Foster, and costumes that are works of art in their own right from Gabriella Slade, this production represents some of the best that UK regional theatre has to offer. It is a reminder that extraordinary theatrical experiences are not confined to London's West End.

Should You Book?

If you are a fan of musicals with substance, stunning visual design, and performances that stay with you long after you leave the theatre, this is one not to miss. The combination of Kander and Ebb's sweeping score, McNally's sharply written book, and a production team working at the top of their game makes this a must-see event for any serious theatregoer. With limited runs at each venue, securing tickets sooner rather than later is highly advisable.

For more on the latest productions touring the UK and playing in London, browse our full list of shows and explore our musicals category for the biggest titles currently on stage.