"Working in theatre is amazing"

Hometown
Originally from Hertfordshire, now live in London

What do you do?
Costumier and head of contemporary department, Angels

How long have you been at it?
Nine years

What was your very first role in theatre?
Costume maker and dresser

What have you done in theatre?
* PA to the design director and co-ordinator to the design department, Viyella (ladieswear retail)
* Fashion assistant/stylist, Racing Green (mail order fashion)
* Stylist, Blooming Marvellous (mail order maternity wear)
* Dresser on film Evita
* Stylist, Grattans
* Assistant to stylist, The Face
* Assistant to stylist, You Magazine
* Wardrobe assistant, The Last Machine, Illuminations/BBC Films
* Costume assistant, Merchant of Venice, Logus Theatre Co
* Costumier, BBC costume department
* Wardrobe assistant, Police Rescue, ABC TV Australia

Have you got qualifications?
HND in stage management, technical theatre and design, specialising in costume, Mountview Theatre School
A-levels

What did you do before you worked in theatre?
I worked in a bank when I finished my A-levels

How did you make the move to working in theatre?
I got a job at Maidstone Theatre controlling the spotlights for Cinderella. It paid hardly anything but I loved it.

What did you want to be when you grew up?
A vet

What do you do all day?
Apart from managing my team, each day is different. Typically I may do a couple of fittings with actors, which would also involve collating garments from our stock. I may have a meeting with a costume designer about a new show; there are always returns and general maintenance of the stock to do; and I also look after the jewellery department.

What’s the best thing about your job?
The people and the clothes

And the worst?
The people and the clothes

What’s your dream job in theatre?
Basically doing what I do now. Or Brad Pitt’s personal dresser.

Got any wise words for someone who wants to be where you are now?
Follow your dream and go for it. Working in theatre is amazing. If you have a true passion for it you will go far.