Community costume department to relaunch in Sudbury this May

Krystal Charlton (left) and Julie Moss. Photo: Warren Page of Pagepix

A treasure-trove of costumes and theatrical accessories will relaunch in Suffolk this spring, following a major refurbishment and generous flood of donations.

Sudbury’s Quay Theatre has announced it will open the doors to its costume store from May 4, with bestselling author - and Suffolk resident - Erica James launching the new costume hire service at a ribbon-cutting event.

Once a popular addition to the theatre’s offering, the service had been paused for some months, due to a need for space, refurbishment and funds.

Now, thanks to the generosity of volunteers and donors, the new space features a vast amount of vintage outfits, party costumes, theatrical garments, headgear, iconic jewellery, show make-up and quirky props - all for hire by groups or members of the community.

Krystle Charlton, Theatre Manager at The Quay Theatre, said: “We are so excited to be able to bring this great feature back to the community. It’s been much missed and we know it’s going to be incredibly popular.

“Our volunteers have worked so hard to source items and help with cleaning, and have donated much needed funds.

“As a result, we now have a terrific asset which will be a real ‘go-to’ for anyone attending a party, putting on a performance or involved in some kind of special occasion for which they want some exceptional accessories.”

Julie Moss (left) and Krystal Charlton. Photo: Warren Page of Pagepix

In charge of running the new costume department is Julie Moss, who is no stranger to the facility and also has her own vintage clothing business.

She previously operated the service on behalf of Sudbury Dramatic Society and has worked hard with the Quay team to bring the project to life, as well as donating money herself.

“I am thrilled and excited to be involved in the relaunching of Quay Costumes,” she said. “I am so relieved too that, in a time of diminishing resources, this valuable and much loved facility for the Sudbury Community and the surrounding area is to be reinstated.”

Another passionate advocate for the department and its relaunch, has been Quay trustee, Melanie Barrett.

She recently presented the team with a cheque for £75 - returning her winnings from the Theatre’s popular ‘100 Club’, which operates as a monthly subscription draw to help boost the theatre’s funds.

John Morre also donated a further £150 from his winnings.

The hire facility at The Quay will open Wednesday to Friday, 10am to 1pm, or by private appointment.

Krystle added: “If anyone is interested in getting more involved with the department, or wants to know further information about the incredible range we have, I welcome them getting in touch.

“It’s such a special feature of what we have here at The Quay, and I’m enormously grateful to all the many people who have made this possible.”

Donations are welcomed from April.

Contact the team behind the new department by emailing costumes@quaysudbury.com.