‘Here’s why bringing history to life through costume is the best job in the world’

2 hours ago 5

Emily Baxendale a young woman with long blonde hair. She wears a dark blue jecket and a patterned jumper. The jacket has white embroidered letters. She is using a sewing machine,

Emily Baxendale spends her days costume making (Picture: Supplied)

Not all heroes wear capes… our Unsung Heroes series celebrates ordinary people doing extraordinary work.

Today it’s Emily, 34, of Bishop Auckland, who helps to bring British history to life.

What do you do?

I’m head of wardrobe for Kynren, an outdoor show which tells the story of England from Roman times onwards.

Why ‘Kynren’?

It’s an Anglo-Saxon word meaning ‘family’. The festival brings the community together to learn about history. It is performed by 1,000 local volunteers.

Viking Warriors and Wood Elf Fantasy Princess

Costumes help to portray characters from Roman times onwards (Picture: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Why are costumes important?

A tunic colour might reflect a character’s personality or link to ideas in the story. Every detail matters.

What’s one creation you’re proud of?

A Victorian-style dress made from a pair of Laura Ashley curtains. The headless horseman was trickiest. I made foam shoulders with a cravat-covered opening so the actor could see out. We didn’t use a model head as it might scare children.

Are men’s costumes a bit boring?

No, often they are the most over-the-top. Definitely a bit of peacocking going on!

Any royalty?

Our Henry VIII has a skirted tunic with a fake fur-lined coat and metallic threads that glisten as the actor moves.

King Henry VIII Presents Charter to Barber-Surgeons

Emily has recreated Henry VIII’s complex attire (Picture: Getty Images)

Do you have animals in the show?

Yes, there’s one show with 250 birds. We have to make sure costumes aren’t too sparkly, as that distracts the birds and they won’t fly to their actor!