Victoria Verde: When do you start preparing for the panto, and how big a job is it?

Lorraine & Catherine: Usually, we start in August. There are five of us in the costume team, and it’s a big task! Between the children’s ensemble and the principal cast, we can have around 50 (or more!) costumes to prepare. The children usually have between two and five costumes each, so it adds up quickly! We’re always happy to welcome new helpers, especially anyone who can sew or would like to get involved in costume-making. If that sounds like you, please get in touch with the theatre!

VV: How do you come up with the costume ideas?

L & C: It starts with the story and what the director has in mind. We look at what we already have in our costume rooms, see what can be reused, and then design or adapt pieces to fit the theme. Sometimes we use seasonal ideas or little nods to things mentioned in the script – like colours, patterns, or even props that tie in. And with panto, you can always have fun – bright colours, bold fabrics, and plenty of sparkle! The Dame’s costumes are always something special – the bigger, brighter, and sillier, the better!

VV: Which costumes are the trickiest to make this year?

L & C: The witch is going to be an interesting one – she’s not your traditional witch, so her costume will be quite different. There’s also a rather spectacular police outfit that’s proving fun to create.

VV: How many costumes do you have in total at Partington?

L & C: A lot! We once worked out that if we hung them all up – they’re mostly stored in boxes – we’d need about 50 metres of costume rails! It’s worth mentioning that Partington Theatre offers costume hire, so if you’re planning your own production or event, we might just have what you’re looking for.

VV: What’s the funniest thing an actor has said when trying on a costume?
L & C: “Do my feet look big in those shoes” – that one’s always a favourite!

Lorraine Richards – Joint Head of Costume
Lorraine Richards began her performing arts journey as a dancer at just two and a half years old. Although an injury ended her dancing career, her passion for theatre never waned. She transitioned into being a lighting designer and soon became chief electrician at the Mermaid Theatre.

Her path into costume design began when she asked for a role as a wardrobe assistant during a show – and quickly discovered her love for creating costumes. Since then, she has worked as an individual costume maker on major productions including Phantom of the Opera, Mamma Mia, Come From Away, Take That Musical, Kinky Boots, and Priscilla Queen of the Desert, and many, many more. For these productions, Lorraine was responsible for taking designs from concept to reality: creating patterns, crafting each piece, fitting costumes on actors, and ensuring every detail was perfect.

Lorraine’s connection to the Partington Theatre stems from her desire to give back to her community. “I love the atmosphere of working with people from the community, who are doing it for love, not money,” she says. “The reward is seeing the cast members – and especially kids – enjoying themselves on stage, laughing in their costumes, and bringing that joy to the audience. It’s incredibly satisfying.”

From blockbuster musicals to community pantomimes, Lorraine’s career is defined by creativity, craftsmanship, and a love of theatre that shines through every costume she makes.

Catherine Cleary – Joint Head of Costume
Catherine’s path to theatre costuming is an unexpected one – by day she works in Power Systems Engineering, but her love of sewing and design has always been a creative outlet. “When I was at university, there were lots of balls,” she recalls, “and I remember making my own ball gown. That’s probably where it all started.”

Her journey with the Partington Theatre began around ten years ago, when a call went out on Facebook for someone to help look after the wardrobe department. “The then Head of Wardrobe, Carol, was looking to retire, so I got involved.”

Since then, Catherine has worked on many productions, from classic dramas to elaborate pantomimes, soon taking on the role of Head of Costume. “I’d done a lot of sewing, but not much in the way of theatrical costume work, so there was a lot to learn – especially about how costumes have to function during quick changes and performances,” she explains.

Now, she and her team make sure every Partington production is fully costumed, no matter the challenge. “Some shows, especially pantos, are huge costume projects with so many character changes.”

What does she love most about volunteering at Partington? “It’s the people,” she says. “Everyone’s here because they love it, not because they’re paid to do it. That makes a huge difference. It’s about passion, creativity, and teamwork – and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”