A life-sized statue of TV presenter and ex-Butlin’s Redcoat, Stephen Mulhern, has been unveiled today in Westfield Shopping Centre, Stratford.
The statue has been commissioned to celebrate the launch of a brand-new uniform for the Butlin’s Redcoats, the first redesign that the uniform has seen since 2011.
To unveil the statue, TV presenter and magician, Stephen Mulhern, visited Westfield Shopping Centre today (October 18th) to meet his doppelganger.
The statue will be on display at Westfield Shopping Centre throughout the day before being brought home to the Butlin’s Minehead resort, where Stephen started his career as a Redcoat.
As the Home of Entertainment, Butlin’s is renowned for its iconic ‘Redcoats’ that have been providing families with jam-packed itineraries of performance, dance, music, magic and more since 1936.
The new-look uniform has been developed by UK brand Jermyn Street Design and will be rolled out at each resort from January 2024.
The new design offers a contemporary feel while still retaining its iconic look, using recycled fabrics that have improved stretch and breathability. The uniform will have a more smart-casual style compared to previous iterations, following feedback from current Redcoats who have been involved in the design process.
The new look will also mean the end of a set ‘formal’ and ‘casual’ uniform, instead allowing individual pieces to be interchanged, featuring a polo that can be worn with shorts or trousers and a jacket or gilet.
Stephen commented:
“To be involved in the new Redcoat uniform launch and for Butlin’s to honour me with my own statue is a very proud day for me. Working as a Redcoat in Minehead played such an important part at the start of my career and I recommend this experience as the perfect platform to anyone looking to get into the entertainment world.
“I know first-hand just how much work goes into the role and providing the best holiday experience for families and how fun it truly is. I also know how much pride the brand takes in its uniform, with only trained Redcoats allowed the honour of wearing the jacket, so it’s brilliant to have the privilege of launching the new uniform”.
Alongside the new-look uniform, Butlin’s is also introducing a brand-new Redcoats Academy in 2024. This exciting new programme will provide all-encompassing training for new recruits who want to develop their career in the entertainment industry.
The Academy has been designed to provide thorough tuition across four different disciplines to prepare new Redcoats for their role. Comprising vocal performance, dance, DJ-presenting and street theatre, the Academy is a comprehensive induction to the world of entertainment.
Mike Godolphin, Entertainment Director at Butlin’s, said: “We’re incredibly proud of our history here at Butlin’s and know that our Redcoats are an iconic part of our brand identity. As the Home of Entertainment, we’re delighted to be launching both a new uniform and our Redcoats Academy.
“We know just how fun and rewarding being a Redcoat is and want to ensure we’re equipping our wonderful new recruits with the skills and experience they need to get the most from the role. The all-encompassing training programme is a one-of-a-kind experience that we’re thrilled to be able to offer.
“Being a Redcoat is the perfect platform to a career in the entertainment industry, so we’d really encourage anyone with an interest in learning more about entertainment and performance to join us on our upcoming recruitment open days”.
Redcoat open auditions will be taking place across the country in November. Anyone taking part will need to perform a talent or skill in an energetic, 60 second piece. Open auditions take place in London, Manchester, Birmingham and Bristol next month from 10am at:
Radisson Blu Hotel, Broad Quay, Bristol BS1 4BY – Monday 13th November
Studio 25, 25 Church Street, Manchester M4 1PE – Tuesday 14th November
Ibis Birmingham New Street Station, 21 Ladywell Walk, Birmingham, B5 4ST – Wednesday 15th November
Prince of Wales Theatre, Coventry Street, London W1D 6AS – Thursday 16th November
For more info or to register details ahead of time visit jobs.butlins.com/entertainment
