‘Cosplay lets you become anything you want’: Inside the UK’s fastest growing subculture

It was once pop culture’s best-kept secret. Now it’s a global industry worth almost £300m. From creative costumes to sex-abuse scandals, Olivia Campbell undresses the art of dressing up

Roon Todd is known for her elaborate eye make-up (Cinder Cosplays/Rowan Todd)

Roon Todd is in character and ready to go. Her wig is styled, her costume perfected and her make-up – which she describes as “very anime-esque” – has transformed her into a living version of a fictional character.

Today, she is dressed up as Ibuki Mioda, a character from the video game Danganronpa. She takes photos in her room, ready to post for her almost 20,000 followers on Instagram.

Todd is a cosplayer, one of a growing community of costumed, role-playing enthusiasts in the UK who recreate characters from their favourite films, TV shows and books. For some, it’s a hobby, while others fully immerse themselves in becoming their character and even make a substantial living.