Broderers' Visit to The Globe Theatre, Wardrobe Department

It was a blisteringly hot day when a group of Broderers visited the wardrobe department of the Globe Theatre. The Head and Deputy Head of Wardrobe gave us a splendid talk about how the costumes were conceived, designed and produced – all the time having to think whether the actors would need extra gussets or stretch inserts. A costume for a dramatic death scene needs careful thought to give the actor complete freedom as he writhes on stage and we learned how different fabrics might be required – fake blood washes out much more easily from polyester!

Later we were allowed the visit the wardrobe stores where we saw racks and racks of different clothes – everything from gowns, kirtles, petticoats, ruffs and French hoods for an Elizabethan lady’s costume to racks of waistcoats, boxes and boxes of shoes and a complete set of costumes for a Roman army. (Maybe not a complete army!) The current production of Romeo and Juliet is set in the “wild west” so cowboy boots, Stetsons and a selection of shirts straight out of a rodeo have had to be sourced - another challenge for the wardrobe team.

Just some of the racks of clothes in the Wardrobe store

Mistress Broderer interrupted from having a good look round

In the afternoon, we watched a performance of Romeo and Juliet, having learned some of the secrets for a quick change off stage and whether the wedding dress was real silk.

Later the Master entertained us to afternoon tea in the Swan pub next door which was a fitting finale to a fantastic day out.

20 June 2025