From Costume Workrooms to Global Productions: Onai Bikishoni’s Journey in Theatre, Film and TV

As a graduate of Theatre & Performance Design programme, Onai Bikishoni, has built a dynamic career as a Costumer across theatre, film and television. Onai, discovered a passion for dying fabric from her days at LIPA, leading her to move into that niche in 2021 after the pandemic.  As part of our 30th anniversary celebrations, we caught up with Onai to talk about the early days of working on costume in college, finding her place in the industry, and her memories of LIPA. 

When did your interest in costume first begin? 

I have always loved theatre and during my teens I became shy and realised I still wanted to be a part of theatre and performing arts, however, I did not want to be centre stage. I was much happier in backstage roles and supporting others. At 17 I did a BTEC in costume, hair and makeup which lead to me being accepted onto the Theatre & Performance Design Program at LIPA. Whilst I was in the costume workroom and working on these larger-than-life projects with Mary Lamb and Ashley Sharip, I knew then I wanted to specialise in costume and create a career out of it.

What led you to specialise in dyeing and breaking down garments in 2021, and what does that process involve? 

It was the pandemic and more specifically the theatres being one of the last parts of our industry to open up. Work was scarce, I like many others, had to pivot. I had always had an interest in dying fabric from my days at LIPA. I remember dying meters and meters of tulle to create this Roly Poly bird character, which my friend Coco later modelled for me. I returned to the craft of dying because I am not a great costume maker, and everyone wants to be a designer. I soon realised that you can always be working if you have a skillset required by a designer, like being a maker, or in my case, being a dyer and breakdown artist. 

You can work consistently with several designers across a variety of productions, which is what happened once I specialised. I started off as a trainee with the late great John Cowell in 2020 and then ended up heading dye and breakdown workrooms on indie film sets in New Zealand in 2024. 

You've had extensive experience working in costume across theatre, film and TV - how did those experiences shape your career? 

Each medium has its own distinct rhythm, but they all share the same backbone: an incredibly dedicated, hardworking crew. Seeing that level of commitment firsthand across theatre, film, and TV really set the bar for me. It inspired me to bring that same energy and work ethic to everything I do. 

Has there been a particular career highlight or highlights for you?

There’s been quite a few. The travel opportunities that have come with working in costume have been a highlight. From The Caribbean with Disney Cruise Line when I started out, to all the amazing locations I have been on whilst working in Film and TV, as well as touring the UK & Ireland in my theatre days. Definitely the travel and the people I’ve worked with.

How did your time at LIPA prepare you for working across such different areas like theatre, film, TV, and touring productions?

During my time at LIPA collaboration was encouraged across disciplines. As a Theatre & Performance Design student, I worked with the performers, as well as Community Drama and Management students.  I remember being taught that in theatre during “tech” everyone thinks that their job is the most important, therefore, it is important to give each other grace to create that unified stage picture. That is something that has stayed with me throughout.

What's your favourite memory of your time at LIPA? 

My favourite memory is my time working with Ben Brown and the whole gang on the Balloons Project. It is now even more cherished because Ben is no longer with us. On 1st June 2012 he spearheaded LIPA students and young people from across Liverpool to take part in The Olympic Torch Celebration Ceremony through song and dance. I was lucky enough to work with him, designing and creating the 7 characters that represented the spirit and values of the games.