I’ve been so lucky that my time at the NSOA has led me to build a wealth of experience in the world of costume, whether it be musical theatre, live performance, television or freelance. Since leaving the school, I primarily worked as a local dresser at Sunderland Empire dressing on touring productions such as ‘Les Misérables’, ‘My Fair Lady’, ‘Birmingham Royal Ballet’, and ‘Charlie and the Chocolate Factory’. During this time, I spent my remaining time working freelance as a wardrobe assistant for touring live shows such as Beyoncé’s ‘Renaissance World Tour’, Michael Buble’s ‘An Evening with Michael Tour’, Diversity’s ‘Connected Tour’, and ‘Paw Patrol Live’, with a small stint working at CBBC’s ‘The Dumping Ground’. Finally, to gain my first permanent musical theatre gig on ‘The Lion King’ UK, Ireland and Switzerland tour, progressing from assistant to Deputy Head of Wardrobe. This job heavily swayed me to remain in the world of musical theatre, leading to my first Head of Wardrobe position on ‘Madagascar the Musical’ UK and Ireland tour – now Wardrobe Supervisor for this amazing show, and finally leading to my other current position at ‘Hamilton’ West End as Deputy Head of Wardrobe. My experience so far has been an absolute dream come true, and I can’t wait to see what is next!
Instagram: @leightelfordcostumier