Sprinkling of theatre magic for the fashion conscious

An amazing Aladdin's cave of costumes that tell their own story is to be sold.

The impressive collection, belonging to Bradford Playhouse, has been used in plays and productions over several decades.

Rack after rack and box after box reveals a treasure trove of items used by actors and actresses who trod the boards at the theatre.

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Ballgowns, evening dress, military uniforms, and even a bear costume figure in the collection, built up since the 1920s when the theatre opened.

Some of the treasures, which also include gallery of dresses, a matador costume, 1960s clothing, and an array of handbags, hats, and accessories, would have been made at the theatre, in Bradford's Little Germany, while others would have been brought. But they all chronicle the theatre's history and give an insight into its past.

Playhouse team leader Sam Musgrave said: "The costumes were housed in one large space which was filled with racks and racks of wonderful, magical things. The majority of costumes would have been made here.

"We have got examples of Victoriana, some really beautiful, original 1920s silk suits and dresses.

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"We have got some beautiful jewelled shoes from the 20s and 30s and we have got a pair of pointe shoes from the 1900s that are still in their box with a receipt and details of the little girl that was wearing them, and a lot of classic 40s and 50s two pieces."

Originally the collection was housed in the theatre's wardrobe department on the theatre's second floor but more recently it has been kept in storage.

"The building has been a theatre since the 1920s and that's when the collection started to grow," Ms Musgrave said.

"There would have always been someone who looked after the collection and oversaw it.

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"I joined the organisation about two years ago when it was looked after by volunteers."

Bradford Playhouse has previously been placed in administration.

Ms Musgrave said yesterday it is now in a good financial position after being re-launched last October but the costumes are being sold as part of a previous agreement made with the administrators when the theatre changed hands.

Organisers do not know how much the sale will raise but they will keep a selection of items for future use and posterity.

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Ms Musgrave added: "For us its really important that we keep some of these items.

"We have insisted that we have a mini collection that stays here to

keep the history and heritage of the building alive.

"We are rescuing precious pieces that we cannot live without."

The sale takes place at the Playhouse, in Chapel Street, on Saturday and Sunday.

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A preview is available from 9am to11am on Saturday for creative

industry professionals and theatre groups.

Admission is 3 and tickets must be reserved in advance by calling 01274 820666.It is open to the public from 11am to 5pm on Saturday and Sunday, with admission charged at 2.

Chemaine Cooke, office manager at The Playhouse, hopes the collection will appeal to a variety of people, from vintage clothes shops, to theatre groups, to people looking for vintage items to those that are simply keen to come and have a rummage and see the collection for themselves.

"Its clothes that have been here for over 75 years so it may be of interest for members of the public to come and see it," Ms Cooke said.

"I am sad to see some of these items go but we are keeping a collection of what we can manage," she added.

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