An important port of call is wigs and make–up, a department that can employ up to 20 people for a lavish show. Here presides Philip Carson–Sheard, who makes and fits the wigs. He buys the hair from local merchants: most of it is human, and it certainly doesn't come cheap. "Straight black from Asia is the easiest to come by, but Madame Butterfly's wig cost £2,500 nine years ago. Now it would probably go for about £4,000. The most expensive is long grey, and it's very hard to come by."