"After taking a year out from banking, I came up with an exit strategy of taking evening courses at London College of Fashion"

Hometown
Born in Devizes, Wiltshire and now living in Bristol

What do you do?
I’m a self-employed cutter, maker and theatrical tailor

What was your very first role in theatre?
Wardrobe assistant for Barnes Charity Players about six years ago

What else have you done in theatre?
In the last few years I’ve worked as a cutter and maker for Opera A La Carte’s Carmen, as cutter and deputy wardbrobe supervisor for many shows at Bristol Old Vic including Cyrano De Bergerac, Aesops Fables, Going On A Bear Hunt, Dr. Faustus and The Three Musketeers and as a wardrobe assistant for Glyndebourne Opera

Have you got qualifications?
I left school with GCSEs and worked in banking for 13 years. Since then, I home-studied for a diploma in interior design from Regent Academy of Fine Art, took evening classes in period costume design, corsetry, underwear and costume cutting at London College Of Fashion (now part of University of the Arts London ) and ultimately left my job to study for a two year diploma in costume for theatre, film and television at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.

Did you work in another industry before theatre?
I was in investment banking for 13 years

How did you make the move to theatre?
After taking a year out from banking, I came up with an exit strategy of taking evening courses at London College of Fashion and getting involved with local amateur dramatic companies. Throughout this time I went back to banking to save up enough money to support myself through a diploma course in costume three years later.

What do you do all day?
Currently I am teaching at a summer school at Bristol Old Vic Theatre. I have a group of children learning how a working wardrobe department operates, whilst we find and make costumes for 80 actors–also children–within two weeks.

There is never a typical day. They vary so much and incorporate all aspects of sourcing and making costumes. Every day is a busy one.
I’ve got skills in mens’ tailoring, pattern cutting, corsetry, costume supervision, millinery, dyeing, breaking down, wig dressing and dressing/show maintenance.

What’s the best thing about your job?
The variety of work, different locations and different people

And the worst?
Long hours and short deadlines

What’s your dream job in theatre?
To be a well known costumier

Got any wise words for someone who wants to be where you are now?
Don’t turn any opportunity down and get involved, even if it means you are initially working for nothing