Jesters
Probably the most iconic form of Fancy Dress, the jester originated in Europe during the Middle Ages. Jesters were believed to be special cases, touched by God with a child-like madness. This allowed for the mentally handicapped to sometimes find employment by dressing up and behaving in an amusing way. In a harsh medieval Europe, it was a niche which without they would struggle to survive. During the 14th Century all British Royal Courts employed a jester. Entertainment included music, juggling, clowning and telling of riddles. During the reigns of Elizabeth I and James I of England, William Shakespeare wrote his plays and performed with his theatre company the Lord Chamberlain's Men (later called the King's Men). Clowns and jesters were often featured in Shakespeare's plays. The tradition of Court Jesters came to an end in Britain when Charles I was overthrown in the Civil War. As a Puritan Christian republic, England under the Lord Protector Oliver Cromwell had no place for such fripperies as jesters. English theatre also suffered and a good many actors and entertainers relocated to Ireland where things were little better.
Modern Day Fancydress
Over time Fancy Dress has become more associated with the element of fun rather than entertainment, and the number of Fancy Dress parties being held has risen dramatically. No longer is it just reserved for Halloween and New Years Eve parties, people are dressing up for birthdays, At the hen parties the chief bridesmaid will assist with wigs and novelties and Stag nights dress the groom in womens fancy dress, sporting events are great for dressing up in fancy dress, just for the fun of it. This trend has led to Fancy Dress companies, like Smiffys, to massively increase their range of costumes, allowing for party-goers an almost unlimited choice of outfits. Fancy dress shops now stock of a large range of traditional Fancy Dress costumes, from Nuns and Vicars, Cowboys and Indians to Police, Hippies and Pirates. Alongside the traditional costumes They have started to introduce more contemporary ideas. For example the official licensed Little Britain range - you can choose from any of your favourite characters from the BBCs hit TV show, be it Im the only gay in the village. - Daffyd, to Yeah but, No but..... - Vicky Pollard. With companies like Smiffys constantly developing their licensing programme, our contemporary range will increase massively over the coming months to include favourites like Doctor Who, Noddy, Zoom, Rock Hard Fairies, Mona the Vampire and Death Jr.