A new Guinness World Record has been set for the Most Costume Changes in a lead theatrical role.
Britain’s National Youth Music Theatre (NYMT) bagged the record with their brand new musical.
The magic number? 37!
This incredible feat was achieved by 17-year-old Des Coghlan-Forbes, who took on the role of Joe Casey in NYMT’s production of Our House, a musical packed with iconic hits from the legendary band Madness.
Assisted by Costume Designer Molly Fraser and Wardrobe Assistant Lucy Vickers, Des managed to smash the previous record of 29 costume changes, set by Paul Kieve in the original West End production.
To put this into perspective, Des was pulling off some of these changes in under five seconds—now that’s what we call stagecraft!
Chris Cuming, the Artistic Director of NYMT, couldn’t be prouder.
He gushed: “It’s a huge honour to announce this Guinness World Record. Seeing one NYMT member pass the baton to another is something truly special. This achievement is a testament to the talent and dedication of everyone involved.”
Craig Glenday, an official Guinness World Records assessor, was there to witness the action and was blown away by what he saw. “What a remarkably talented young performer! NYMT has always been an inspirational organisation, and this just proves how versatile and dedicated their young actors and creatives are.”
Our House, which ran at the Southwark Playhouse Elephant, was a key highlight of NYMT’s 2024 summer season. The season also featured a production of Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods and the premiere of Catastrophe Bay, a new folk musical by Kit Buchan and James Barne.
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