£6million restoration campaign backed by ex-minister

EDWINA Currie has made a surprise visit to the Royal Shakespeare Company’s cos- tume department.

The former Conservative politician was in town last week to see A Christmas Carol and wanted to show her support to the Stitch In Time campaign that the theatre company are currently running to raise money to restore the Grade II-Listed building in which the department is based on Waterside, opposite the theatre itself.

Her interest in the £6million project came about because he dad was a tailor.

Edwina said: “The RSC costume department is one of the most innovative and imaginative parts of this great theatre.

“Traditional skills mix with modern magic to produce outfits that both look authentic and allow for quick changes!

“So the chance to visit it all with my granddaughter was wonderful.

"My father, who was a tailor all his life, would have been very envious. I’m glad I made a donation to their redevelopment fund, in memory of him. I would urge everyone to support it.”

The RSC has the largest in-house costume-making department of any British theatre.

The restoration and redevelopment project has already secured £2.1million of funding from Arts Council England, and the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), as well as a £950,000 National Lottery grant.

The Stitch In Time is aiming to raise the further £3million that is needed to complete the work.

The company says the redevelopment will create the best facilities for costume-making, care for the historic buildings, provide training and apprenticeship opportunities, and open the workshop to visitors for the first time