Fashion Brief
If it is an opening night red carpet that starts at 7pm, I will be in the shower at 5pm, followed by a shave and my ironing. I never choose what to wear until the last minute. I pick the suit first, then iron the shirt and then I can decide what tie to wear with it. Everyone says it is easy for men to get ready, but there are so many components – cufflinks, buttonholes, making sure your socks and belt and shoes all match. Women can slip on a black dress and pair of heels, and they’re done.
Once I am changed, I re-read the invite, make sure my taxi is going to the right place (I’ve got that wrong before) and pare down my man bag to phone, keys, credit card and cash folded up to fit in my inside jacket pocket. I don’t put on my jacket until the last minute, to avoid sweating.
I then run a light gel through my hair and spray it to death. I do a quick powder, because you don’t want to be shiny on the red carpet, then I pour myself a glass of sauvignon blanc and wait for the car to arrive.
I might have a bit of cheese or parma ham, so I don’t risk getting slaughtered on interval drinks and an empty stomach. Nothing too heavy, otherwise I feel I have to breathe in the whole night.
Give yourself a boost by looking in the mirror and telling yourself you look great, otherwise you will just be self-conscious the entire night and awful to people. I don’t mean look in the mirror and say, “You’ve got great pecs or an amazing arse”, but just tell yourself you’re great and go out and get ’em.
• Craig Revel Horwood is starring as Miss Hannigan in the UK and Ireland tour of Annie, anniethemusicaltour.uk
