RSC Collection and the Community

We introduced ten young carers to the RSC Collection so they could select items for an online gallery, alongside the reopening of The Play’s The Thing in April 2023.

The group were able to handle museum items, learning how best to care for them alongside creative writing and performance poetry activities with Birmingham-based spoken-word artist Kurly McGeachie. The group were finally ready to curate their exhibition after exploring costumes relating to their own interests: immersive theatre, colours and modern takes on Shakespearean costumes.

The three workshops were part of Like I Care, a social engagement project inspired by the theme of care in My Neighbour Totoro.

Ewan, aged 13
“It was fun and exciting to learn about what the curating process is.”

This vibrant flowing dress, reflective of nature appealed to the group. "It exudes feminine energy; vibrant and strong with soft and comfortable." This dress was worn by Sheila Allen as Queen in Cymbeline, 1974, designed by John Napier.

Photo by Gina Print © RSC Browse and license our images

"The warm colours feel like autumn and red is my favourite colour." This hand-painted suit jacket was a real favourite of many of the group because of the mix of it being a designed costume but also fashionable using modern clothes. This jacket, jumper and trousers were worn by Michael Abubakar as The Bastard in King John from 2019, designed by Max Johns.

Photo by Gina Print © RSC Browse and license our images

Two participants were fascinated by the way the blood splatter was created using paint and mixed-media which tells the story of the thrilling stage combat from the play. This shirt was designed by Abdul Farrah for Alan Howard as Richard III from 1980.

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This costume was chosen for its modern take on the traditional Elizabethan clothes typical of Shakesperean plays. This bodice, ruff and jewellery was worn by Rebecca Cordingly as Mistress Ford in The Merry Wives of Windsor, 2018 and design by Lez Brotherston.

Photo by Gina Print © RSC Browse and license our images

One of the participants was particularly drawn to the idea in Shakespeare where female characters were dressed in typically male clothing. Designed by Alix Stone for Zoë Wanamaker as Viola in Twelfth Night in 1983.

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The process of breaking down costumes really caught the eye of the participants. This jacket and shirt shows how the RSC Costume Workshop recycled garments to make something brand new and to look not so new. Worn by Hiran Abeysekera as Posthumus in Cymbeline, 2016, designed by Anna Fleischle.

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"The practical element of this costume appeals to me. It looks comfortable but also fashionable." It also sparked a conversation about casting a female actor in a typically male role in this production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. This headdress, shirt and dungarees was designed by Tom Piper for Lisa Nightingale as Bottom in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, 2016.

Photo by Gina Print © RSC Browse and license our images

"Purple is my favourite colour and this is very regal with the gold accents." This suit was worn by Hugh Quarshie as Othello in 2015, designed by Fotini Dimou.

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Female characters wearing military clothing really appealed to one individual. The Victorian and punk inspirations were very aligned with their interests and like their own fashion style. This dress was worn by Juliet Stevenson as Hippolyta in A Midsummer Night’s Dream, 1981, designed by Maria Bjornson.

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"I would wear this to my prom." The formal outfit made for a female actor cast in a typically male role appealed to the group, both female and male participants chose this because of its universal appeal. This suit, shirt and top hat was designed by Tom Piper for Lucy Ellinson as Puck in A Midsummer Night’s Dream from 2016.

Photo by Gina Print © RSC Browse and license our images

Molly, aged 15
“I loved every moment of it and loved learning about the costumes and props.”

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