January 1, 1968

Once upon a time

Once upon a time in a street called London Road in Bath, UK, there lived a lady by the name of Mollie Lea (Mollie Fisher was her stage name).  She would sit and sew long into the night.  Sewing on lace, frills, buttons and beads, she created magical characters which actors would bring to life on stage.

January 1, 1968
January 1, 1969

Setting Up Shop

Soon her front room was bursting with fabrics, dresses and all sorts of elegant gowns and it was time to find somewhere bigger.   And so, still on the same road, some will remember, in 1969, Bath Theatrical Costume Hire was set up at 2 The Balustrade, London Road, Bath. 
 
This tiny little shop soon filled up with a variety of colourful costumes depicting characters from all the ages.

January 1, 1969
June 1, 1990

getting The Family Involved

Once Mollie (affectionately known as ‘Our Mol’ to her friends) decided it was time to retire in her late 70s, her daughter, Dinah took over.  She too had spent a life in the theatre, directing, producing, writing and performing.  

June 1, 1990
January 1, 2002

Growing The Business

Until now, the costume shop had only hired to individuals.  Things were about to change and it was to grow into a different dimension.  

Bath Theatrical bought out a warehouse in Frome which already had large stock of costumes and with the addition of the stock from Bath, they could now dress productions as well as individuals. For a while, the two shops operated in both locations but this proved to be impractical and so, the little shop on the Balustrade was sold and the operation moved to Frome. 

… and there, the team continued to sew and create more costumes.   Now they were dressing hundreds of productions from all era’s as well pageants, events, parties and themed weddings. 

Now the Frome wardrobe, located on the Wallbridge Industrial Estate, holds more than 30,000 costumes… but then, we ask, who’s counting? 

January 1, 2002
September 30, 2018

A New Generation

As Dinah went into semi-retirement (in her early 80s), the reigns are now held by her daughter, Rusette.  Again the wardrobe has seen a transformation.  Surviving the pandemic, it was time to ‘swivel’ as is the new buzz word.  Introducing a number of new packages, Bath Theatrical now also takes the magical world of costumes out to customers as well providing the very personal service of dressing them in the wardrobe. 

September 30, 2018
January 1, 2019

Living History

Introducing ‘Living History’ – adapted costumes for visitors to slip on over their own costumes to have photo’s taken at historical venues to not only experience the clothing of the day but also to capture those experiences and memories for ever. 

January 1, 2019
January 1, 2021

The Regency Experience

‘The Regency Experience’ – guests are turned into stars for the day.  From backstage where they receive a complete make over by professionals (hair, make up and dresser), to stylised studio photographs (by professional London Fashion Week and Vogue photographer) to promenading through Bath, enjoying afternoon tea and more photo sessions, always being plumped and puffed into perfection by the team of professionals. (Last time we took guests to Bath, passers by all thought we were filming Bridgeton!).

January 1, 2021
January 1, 2021

Studio 2

Studio 2 – creation of a photo studio.   The only one in the country with a 30 000 costume wardrobe attached! For use by photographers, production companies and even private hire.  Always looking for a timeless way to capture a memory.

January 1, 2021
January 1, 2022

The Fancy D-Stress Room

The Fancy D-Stress Room – inspired by the sound of laughter!   The pandemic has created a lot of mental health issues.   As we know, ‘laughter is the best medicine’ so now, this space is available with an assortment of costumes to dress up and have a good laugh!

January 1, 2022
January 1, 2022

Click and Collect

Moving with the times, there is an assortment of character costumes all pre-packed, measured and accessorised.  A quick and easy way to select a costume for a party … with the assurance that there is never any compromising on quality. 

January 1, 2022