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As managing director of Wig Specialities and a working hair and make-up artist for many years, Richard Mawbey's reputation and technical skills are rarely surpassed. Starting his career as a hair stylist with his own salon, he went on to create and style the wigs for Danny La Rue, an association that took Richard around the globe with a demanding schedule requiring up to 20 wigs per performance, enough to test the resolve of anyone.

After a decade of travelling, in I986 Richard was drawn to the world of hair and make-up, moving to the theatre for the London Palladium production of La Cage Aux Folles. He has completed four productions of this show worldwide and counts Starlight Express and countless other West End shows to his name. In I987 the grand Australian, Dame Edna Everage, erilisted Richard for her variety of wigs and.tresses. Television, theatre, film and personal appearances, they're all his handiwork. He was even called to Los Angeles for Edna's guest appearances on Ally McBeal. Even today Richard is the only person entrusted with the task of crafting Edna's famous locks.

But it's not just the glam and the glamorous that take Richard's attention. He works closely with the film industries in the UK and US, having made the wigs and beard for Tim Allen's Santa Claus, has worked on the new film version of Nicholas Nickleby and has been personal wig maker for Sean Connery and Ben Kingsley. And if you want a name that is more famous for wigs than any previously mentioned, he made beehives for Dusty Springfield need we say more?

Richard oversees all of the work at Wig Specialities personally. He was originally a customer then became an employee joining in 1990 and in 1999 was offered the business when the previous owner retired.The company continues to thrive with 12 permanent staff, at times drafting in freelancers when demand and schedules require it.

When questioned about the skills required to make wigs, Richard suggests a good eye, a calm nature and plenty of patience. "You simply can not rush a project;' he says. Everything at Wig Specialities is hand knotted and the average time to make a full wig is about four to five days. A full beard can be created in about two days.These timings are all dependent on size and Iength. The made to measure service is not for everyone so they have a large stock of wigs and facial hair for hire.

And if you want a name that is more famous for wigs than any previously mentioned, he made beehives for Dusty Springfield - need we say more?

Possibly his most famous work has been that of Dumbledore, for which his creativity and technique were put to the test.The wig was created in two pieces, one basic part plus an extension.This was done so that Harris did not have to carry the full weight of the wig around all day. It could be taken off and applied in sections. Italian hair was purchased for the project (white hair is difficult to source, especially when it has to be so long).The beard was a combination of real hair and yak hair to give it added body and bounce. The whole job was complete within four days utilising eight people working on the different sections. It is an iconic work and beautifully executed.

The main stages of wig creation start with a basic fitting with the actor concerned. Any special design requirements are then taken into consideration, these include colour shape and texture. Richard wili then interpret the style, set about making the wig before being able to start fittings and hair checks. The experts at Wig Specialities can have as much input into the design and creation of a wig as required. Some clients have very specific needs where others are happy to leave the work to the experts. And why not, they have been in the business for over 30 years and supply film television and theatre both in the UK and internationally ·

Other credits for Wig Specialities

Film:
Amadeus, Titanic, Star Wars - The Phantom Menace, Greystoke, 24 Hour Party People, The Pianist, Tomb Raider, Willow, The End of the Affair, Tomorrow Never Dies, The Fifth Element.

Television and Theatre:
The House of Elliott, Steve Coogan, The League of Gentlemen, French and Saunders, Alistair McGowan's Big Impression, Starlight Express, Contact, Kiss Me Kate.

Warpaint magazine article on a Step by Step transformation of Scott Wyer into Hannah in La Cage Aux Folles, Frankfurt

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