Theatre's bid to use more second hand costumes

Costumes are often bought second hand, the theatre says

The Royal Exchange Theatre in Manchester says it is trying to become more sustainable by using more second hand costumes, fabric and clothing.

Following the release of the Theatre Green Book in 2020, theatres across the UK are working to become more environmentally friendly.

The Manchester theatre says it looks for costumes on second hand sites and stores before buying anything new.

After the costumes have been used, it will look to sell them on, reuse them or donate them to charity.

Costumes will be taken apart and used to create something new

Costume designer Eleanor Bull says she has been searching second hand sites for the upcoming production of Oscar Wilde's The Importance of Being Earnest, adding: ''There is a real push in the industry towards more sustainable practices.

"It's also about figuring out what the life of the costume will be after the show is over."

Costumes at the Royal Exchange Theatre

The company says it is putting a modern twist on the Victorian comedy, with the designer saying the costumes "need to feel authentic''.

The outfits the actors will wear will reflect ''modern dress'', Ms Bull explains, and ''most people will not realise they are costumes, but a lot of effort goes into it".

''It would be easy to go into stores and buy from the rail, but we need to think more about where everything comes from," she said.

Costumes will be sold on after use.

The Royal Exchange Theatre has said it will try to reuse, sell, or donate costumes to charity after a performance.

''It's about questioning, especially if you are doing something with modern dress, whether it's really appropriate to be ordering everything from fast fashion brands'," Ms Bull added.