Mark Hendriksen

Yesterday, as The Costume Store in Great Dunmow, Essex was having a stock clearance, Mark H headed off to pick up some items for the ABC of Opera Workshops, and to appear from the magical trunk that accompanies the team to each school.

Run by the charming Tony & Ray, it was an Aladdin’s cave of costumes and all sorts – as they have been providing costumes for major shows, operas, Gilbert & Sullivan etc. for many many years. Although all of the kids love dressing up Mark resisted but did get some amazing pieces, many of which, apart from the obvious costumes, are to enlighten and amuse the children at the workshops.

Corsets, long satin gloves, bloomers trimmed with lace, bowler hats [John Blow], bustles, hoops, crowns, fairy wings, and some that show just how heavy the costumes were, all in all quite a day + one stunning piece that had been designed for the original D’Oyly Carte Opera Company – the list was endless and fascinating…  so look out kids, there’s no escape!