Wendy Benstead, 29, from Stubbington, is a costume maker currently working on Ferneham Hall’s pantomime, Cinderella, which runs until January 6. Here she describes her perfect weekend.
When did you last go away and where did you go?
San Francisco and Las Vegas. I went to visit s friend who lives there, and for a holiday. It’s such an amazingly mad place. The vintage shops in San Francisco are great for buying really cheap vintage pieces that work great as costume buys.
What was the last gig/concert/comedy show you went to?
Paloma Faith, who I make costumes for. Her performances are amazing.
What about the last theatre show you saw?
Bodyguard: The Musical, which was really good fun. But I felt the costumes were unimaginative. The girl who played the ‘Whitney’ part was very good though and had an incredible voice.
The last book you read?
Radio DJ Danny Baker’s autobiography, Going To Sea In A Sieve. His life story is really interesting and he is extremely funny.
The last film you saw at the cinema or on DVD?
What To Expect When You’re Expecting. A friend of mine is pregnant and we thought it might be good for her to watch it. It was very funny.
What’s your favourite way to relax?
Watching films with friends, or going to the theatre.
What do you watch on TV?
EastEnders. I think the storylines are so involved and silly, that it’s just frivolous entertainment.
And which TV programmes do you avoid?
Reality TV shows. If I want to watch other peoples dramas, I hang out with my girlfriends. And as a costumer they kill our line of work as there’s no need for a wardrobe.
Which celeb would you most like to spend a weekend with?
Danny Baker or Lady Gaga. She wears insane costumes and I would love to see what she is really like when the make-up/wigs/costumes are off.
Where do you shop?
I love a good vintage shop, as I like reusing pieces that have been pre-loved. I like to restyle them into modern pieces. One Legged Jockey in Southsea is good.
Where do you eat out?
The Osborne View in Hill Head. They do great pub grub and the views are wonderful.
What’s your signature dish, if you’re cooking?
I can rustle up a mean three-bean and red wine casserole.
What about pubs and bars? Where do you go?
The Red Lion, Stubbington, is good for a game of pool. The Queen’s Head, Titchfield, is great for that ‘old man pub’ vibe. I also like Drift Bar, Shenanigans and Little Johnny Russell’s in Southsea.
Where’s good for a day out locally?
I loved Portchester Castle as a kid. And walking along the beach at Hill Head then through to The Haven and past the cemetery to Titchfield Village.
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