A new exhibition celebrating the intricate craftsmanship behind a popular television programme is set to open in Brighton.
The display will present dozens of elaborate costumes from the ITV phenomenon The Masked Singer, offering visitors an unprecedented look at the creative process behind the disguise.
Making the Masked Singer will welcome guests at Brighton Museum and Art Gallery from October 24, 2026, through June 6, 2027.
The collection will include 24 complete outfits alongside seven individual character heads, spanning seven seasons of the guessing game format that has captivated British audiences.
The presentation aims to move beyond the spectacle of celebrity concealment, instead shining a light on the artistic endeavour required to bring each persona to life.
Representatives from Brighton and Hove Museums have expressed enthusiasm about hosting the collection, noting that the creations represent remarkable feats of design and engineering rather than mere novelty items.
The opportunity to exhibit such pieces together for the first time allows visitors to appreciate the scale and ambition of the production.
The display will feature a roster of recognisable characters including Hedgehog, portrayed by Jason Manford, Fox worn by Denise van Outen, Tree portrayed by Teddy Sheringham, Badger played by Ne-Yo, Mushroom brought to life by Charlotte Church, Pigeon portrayed by Katherine Ryan, Phoenix worn by Ricky Wilson, Pufferfish brought to life by Samantha Barks, and Dressed Crab portrayed by Gregory Porter.
Additional characters such as Moth, Conkers and Giant Joel will also be represented, along with individual heads from Unicorn, Bush Baby, Snow Leopard, Fawn, Maypole and Monkey Business.
Plunge Creations, a company based in Sussex, serves as the design team responsible for translating concept drawings into wearable stage costumes.
Representatives from the firm have described the challenge of transforming an abstract idea into a functional performance piece that maintains the secrecy essential to the show’s format.
The designers emphasised pride in their work and satisfaction at seeing multiple creations gathered in a single venue for the first time, providing a platform to demonstrate the technical skill and artistic vision involved in character development.
The exhibition will document each stage of costume creation, from initial concept sketches through to the final construction involving sculpting, specialist fabrication, engineering and prop-making.
Visitors will discover how each outfit balances visual impact with practical requirements, enabling performers to move and sing on stage while remaining unidentifiable to the watching public and judging panel.
Bandicoot Scotland, a subsidiary of the production group Argonon, serves as the programme’s producer and collaborated with Plunge Creations to realise the exhibition concept.
Interactive features throughout the display will allow guests to test their investigation abilities, search for hidden clues and explore the techniques employed to maintain the show’s celebrated element of surprise.
General admission grants access to the exhibition, with membership to Brighton Museum also covering entry.
Family-oriented activities will be available throughout the run, providing younger visitors with engaging ways to learn about the intersection of costume design, performance and theatrical illusion.