River City Feed

Children in Need Rocks Scotland - gospel truth

2010-11-20T13:46:50+00:00

Members of the River City cast made an all-singing appearance with The Gospel Truth Choir at Children in Need Rocks Scotland last night. Take a look at exclusive pictures from the cast's glittering gospel gig at Glasgow's SECC - looks like much fun was had!

You can still donate to Children in Need by visiting their website.

The wedding - but not as advertised

2010-09-14T19:58:18+00:00

With Malcolm as MC, a stunning dress and surrounding by beloved friends and family, Ruth's low-key wedding in The Ship was a romantic affair. Bling may have been lacking but the event was full of love. We've got lots of exclusive pictures from the wedding for you.

Like real life, weddings in TV dramas are hectic affairs for all involved in their production. The entire cast has to be suited, booted, primped and preened. Hair, make-up and wardrobe departments work frantically to bring the vision to life.

Clare Pettifer, the busy costume designer on the show, filled us in on the background to Ruth's stunning wedding dress.

Originally Clare bought a dress in a High Street store sale earlier in the year. Then she subsequently spotted a vintage 1950s oyster lace dress in Glasgow. In the storyline Ruth's grandmother, Rose, was the first person to wear this dress, which Ruth and Jo had loved as children. It fitted Morag Calder perfectly, with a few modifications. Maggie Scobbie, who worked on Helen Mirren's costumes in The Queen adjusted the dress to fit.

As we blogged about previously, the costume team always have a camera to hand, to keep a record of what the cast have been wearing and when. These are placed onto continuity sheets, which you can see a sample from below.

Photo of continuity sheet from the wedding day

Jack and Hayley - A photo love story

2010-08-27T09:09:52+00:00

Aw, the heart melted when Jack made his romantic announcement, in front of all and sundry, in The Ship. We thought you'd like to see some pictures.

Jack takes aim.

And selects his target.

Nothing like a private dance in public.

Talk about an appreciative crowd!

Why don't you see if you can come up with some suitable captions for the photos?
Gordon's glower is priceless - he is not a happy camper.

The Magic Bump

2010-08-20T13:55:47+00:00

What's warm, cosy and flesh-toned? Need another clue?
These things live in the River City costume room, and Eileen will be getting to grips with them in the next few months. Yes, we're talking about the pregnancy 'bumps' which Deirdre has started wearing as her character adjusts to becoming an expectant mother.

By far the most intriguing items in the River City wardrobe room are the selection of costumes used to create the effect of a pregnancy. You immediately want to handle and squeeze the odd, skin-toned suits. They are also surprisingly lightweight.

Claire Pettifer, the costume designer on River City, let us in on some of the secrets behind the bumps.

Eileen's pregnancy wardrobe - tell us more.
Pregnancy costumes do depend on the actor's shape so they can vary quite a lot. When Eileen gets four/five months into her pregnancy, we use the first bump under her clothes. That's the stage that we're at now. After a while Eileen's bump will go up a stage.

How are the 'bumps' to wear?
The padded costumes are very warm and comfortable! For some reason people think the suits will be really heavy, but they are very cosy and soft to wear. Dressing in the suit is similar to carrying round a cocoon. They are fantastic costumes to wear in the winter when it's chilly on set.

Swotting with Stephen and Libby

2010-07-20T16:30:13+00:00

Listen to Stephen Purdon and Libby McArthur, aka Bob and Gina, in a funny tussle with authority in the Radio Scotland Comedy show Swots. Our Radio Scotland blog colleagues took some great photos at the show's recording and they've also added an exclusive 'set' from Stephen.

Joyce Falconer, soon to be seen in the documentary Beyond the Bothy, made an appearance in last week's episode of Swots. Watch a clip of her backstage at the show.

Present and correct, Sir!

2010-07-13T15:01:21+00:00

A very busy Joyce Falconer joined in the school-themed fun in Saturday's episode of Swots on Radio Scotland. Look at pictures and watch a clip of Joyce talking about getting the 'scud' at school in Torry.

Our colleagues on the Radio Scotland blog have a wealth of extras from the recordings of the latest series of Swots.

The next episode is dominated by River City alumni, so take a look at the gallery of photos from the recording. You can listen to Libby McArthur and Stephen Purdon sharing their scholastic wit on the comedy quiz show at 1204 on Saturday 17 July.

Hairdressers

2009-09-07T15:26:22+00:00

River City Feed

Children in Need Rocks Scotland - gospel truth

The wedding - but not as advertised

Jack and Hayley - A photo love story

The Magic Bump

Swotting with Stephen and Libby

Present and correct, Sir!

Hairdressers

Gordon

Hayley

Jack

Robbie