Testimonials
‘Charades' have provided us with an excellent service. They discuss all costume requirements, detailing character requirements, period of the production, age of cast, costume colours required, etc. They bring all costumes, neatly packaged and labelled and discuss with all the cast the correct way of wearing and using the provided costumes. All accessories are provided. Betty, an expert seamstress is there, on hand, to do any necessary alterations. Any costumes that are not entirely suitable are discussed and replacements sent A.S.A.P. They attended our last performance, seeing the effects of their hard work. At the end they took all the costumes back with them. As ‘the costume lady’, I can only say ‘Charades' support was invaluable. Our recent production of ‘Sweeney Todd’ was greatly enhanced by ‘Charades' gifted consideration of costume requirements and provision. We hope to use their services many times in the future.
- Mrs. B. Moorhouse, Wardrobe Mistress, Morecambe Warblers A.O.S
We used Charades Theatrical Costume Hire for our School production of 'Oliver!' in February 2015. The costumes were of superb quality and the service received was faultless. All costumes provided fitted pupils well and they looked incredible both on and off stage. I would recommend 'Charades' without any reservation. The prices were very reasonable for the quality of the costumes received, Betty has excellent knowledge of the shows and characters which ensures the costumes are suitable and appropriate. The costumes gave the show such a professional look.
- Mrs. V. Crossman, Head of Performing Arts, Central Lancaster High School
L.A.D.O.S have worked with Betty and her team at 'Charades' for some years and have found all aspects of the booking to be exemplary and the costumes supplied to be of a very high standard. They are delivered in good time for the show and if alterations are required, Betty and her sewing machine are on hand to sort out. Costumes are also made available for photo call which is of great help to us and assists in promoting the show.
We would have no hesitation in recommending 'Charades' and we look forward to continuing to work with them in the future.
- Mrs. A. Tarney, Secretary, Lancaster A.D.O.S
Highest quality costumes, friendly helpful service. I don't think you could do better than 'Charades' when putting on a production.
- Mr. J. Bateman, Head of Drama, St Edmund Arrowsmith Catholic High School
I have dealt with 'Charades' over many years. The costumes they supply are of the highest standard. They are clean and fresh. They fit the person performing the character. Lots of detail is given to the costume and the range is second to none. They give a splendid service and satisfaction in the knowledge that it will be right on the night.
- Mr. T. Gradwell, Director, The Teresian Players
What can I say? I have really enjoyed working with ‘Charades’, they are business like, efficient and creative but, most of all, enthusiastic, friendly, helpful and anxious to give help and advice - willing to share their vast experience with their clients. The quality of service is unmatched by any other costumier I have used in the past.
- Mrs. J. Ledwidge, Wardrobe Mistress, Crosby G & S Operatic Society
Walking into ‘Charades’ is like walking into an Aladdin's cave. Betty has always been friendly and helpful, giving her time and treating you as a very valued customer. She has helped me with a variety of costumes for both children and adults and Joseph's parachute coat took my breath away every night it was unveiled!
Thanks Betty, be seeing you soon.
- Mrs. K. Fairclough, Wardrobe Mistress, Southport Spotlights and SONG
We are a musical theatre company based in Southport and have been associated with 'Charades' for a number of years. Betty and Gareth have become friends over that time and they always make us very welcome when we visit them. Nothing is too much trouble! They are friendly, helpful and very professional in their approach..... their attention to detail is without question!
I would have no hesitation in recommending them to anyone and wish them every success in their new premises.
- Mrs. P. Haworth, Wardrobe Mistress, B.O.S. Musical Theatre Company
I cannot recommend Charades Theatrical Costume Hire enough. Betty's efficient and incredibly friendly service is second to none. I needed costumes for my school production of 'Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat'. I was given several options to suit my budget and the actual dreamcoat itself had a real WOW factor! Professional, courteous and so incredibly helpful. Choose 'Charades' and you won't be disappointed!
- Mr. S. Hughes-Alty, Head of Drama, Rainhill High School
As a professional actor and pantomime dame of many years, I have to say that 'Charades' have provided me with excellent service! Whether it is renovating and repairing precious old costumes or making items from scratch. Their enthusiasm and artistic input is brilliant. It is fabulous when you can go to someone with a rough idea for a costume and can then trust them to turn it into a reality!
- Mr. M. Lord, Actor
I have worked with Betty and Gareth for over 10 years now. I think this says it all:
After a stressful 6 months rehearsals and a chaotic dress rehearsal last night, I have just received a text from our director.
'I didn't have chance to say last night, but I think the costumes had something to do with me crying - they look amazing!!!'
- Mrs. L. Byrne, Wardrobe Mistress, Heywood A.O.D.S and Heykids
Since discovering 'Charades' in 2007 they have been my costumiers of choice. The professionalism and attention to detail they show is second to none. Nothing is too much trouble and they always 'deliver' what has been agreed, whether you are a tall or large lady in the chorus to teenie weenie children, to get bums on seats !
Please never retire Betty - what would we do without you?
- Mrs. J. Radcliffe, Wardrobe Mistress, St Annes on Sea A.O.D.S
The costumes looked wonderful last night. The audience had nothing but complements for them. Thank you and your team for giving our show such a lift.
- Mrs. F. Cheetham, Director, Wigan Musical Theatre Group (Hello, Dolly!)
Blackpool Operatic Players have used 'Charades' for many years and have always been extremely satisfied with their costumes and the service they provide. They are extremely friendly people to work with, and pay a massive attention to detail. They are always prepared to do that little bit extra for their clients, just to make sure that everything is just right for their needs.
Gareth explains how the costumes should be worn by each member of the cast and Betty is always there to make any alterations which may be required. They are excellent when delivering the costumes and very efficient when it is time to collect them at the end of the show.
They are prepared to make special costumes for certain characters. We have just performed 'The Producers' at the Grand Theatre, Blackpool. The costumes were superb and looked wonderful on the stage. They made special costumes for the follies which were wonderful and well admired.
Last year we performed 'Sunset Boulevard', when again the costumes were excellent and were admired by our audiences, as is always the case.
'Charades' is definitely to be recommended!
Thank you Betty and Gareth
- Mrs. M. Chesters, Secretary, Blackpool Operatic Players
The costuming for the production was tremendous, instantly taking you to another place and making you reminisce of days gone by.
- Mr. B. Wilson, North West End (Betty Blue Eyes, St Annes on Sea A.O.D.S)
I have used costumes from 'Charades' for many shows and they have always looked fab!
- Mr. M. Swann, Director
One word fits all aspects of 'Charades' service - fantastic!!!!
- Mr. D. Morris, Performer, The Three Towns Operatic Society
They actually supply costumes... that fit!! (on the rare occasion, and it is rare, there is a problem, they solve it) - from main principals to chorus, they do a great job!
Supplying costumes is easy, supplying good costumes is the difficult bit, and 'Charades' do the difficult with ease. Knowing what looks good and what works is important, feeling right in a costume can make you feel the part... you perform better. Hence my NODA nomination!! So thanks Betty and Gareth, your efforts are much appreciated.
Oh... and one other thing, everyone is given special treatment, B&G don't just concentrate on principals and leave the rest 'as is', they make sure everyone is happy and that the costumes fit.
- Mr. D. Cox, Performer
'Charades' recently provided the costumes for our show 'Hello, Dolly!', we received numerous comments on how fabulous they looked! A truly professional service! Well done Betty and Gareth!
- Mrs. D. Glover, Performer, Pilkington Musical Theatre Company
I would like to say a big thank you for the costumes and service given for 'Hello, Dolly!'. Every one of the costumes looked brilliant. I could not have asked for better. I would pass your name on to any production I was in.
I think you put that bit extra in you always want.
- Mr. T. Davitt, Director, Pilkington Musical Theatre Company
Great costumes for the recent production of 'Hello, Dolly!' by Pilkington Musical Theatre Company at the Theatre Royal, St Helens. Many people have commented to me about how spectacular they looked. Thanks Betty and Gareth for your professionalism.
- Mr. C. Moss, Musical Director
I have recently directed a production for St Annes Operatic Society of 'Jekyll & Hyde'. The quality of the costumes provided by 'Charades' was exceptional. We have had no end of trouble over the years with costumiers providing sub-standard costumes and charging a fortune! Delivery etc all added extra costs that we got stung with. 'Charades' are transparent in their prices and the service is excellent. All the costumes arrive beautifully packed and clean! All the costumes come with accessories appropriate to the period, something that we have never had in the past! Betty and Gareth really look after their clients, this is why they are so succesful.
We really wouldn't go anywhere else!
- Mr. P. Taylor, Director, St Annes on Sea A.O.D.S
As a director I am a perfectionist and am constantly let down by costumiers who wouldn't know a flapper dress from a 1950s twin-set - not so Betty and Gareth. The costumes they provided for our recent production of 'Thoroughly Modern Millie' were vibrant, wonderfully appropriate and added depth and colour to the production.
- Mr. S. Hughes-Alty, Director
I want to thank Betty and Gareth for the wonderful costumes they provided for 'Me and My Girl' with St Helens A.O.S.
They looked fabulous and just brought all our performances that extra special touch.
I also want to thank Betty and Gareth for all their hard work, perseverance and support throughout the show - true professionals!!!
Thank you Betty and Gareth!
- Mrs. K. Chambers, Performer, St Helens A.O.S
Betty and Gareth you have done it once again! Thanks for the superb costumes for 'White Horse Inn'.
- Mr. C. Magenty, Performer, The Three Towns Operatic Society
Thank you Betty and Gareth for the fabulous costumes for 'Patience' with the St Helens G & S, they really were excellent!
"... and the costumes from 'Charades' were excellent" (NODA Review) - They certainly made the show extra special.
Once again success for the threatrical costume legends that you are!
- Mrs. K. Chambers, Performer, St Helens G & S Society
Thanks again for the fabulous costumes Betty and Gareth, you make show week!
- Mrs. J. Hassouna-Smith, Performer, The Three Towns Operatic Society
'The Boyfriend' costumes were outstanding! Thank you so much!
- Mrs. D. Segar, Performer, Centenary Musical Theatre
I just want to thank 'Charades' for the fabulous, absolutely gorgeous costumes for 'The Mikado'. Not just that, but the endless laughs and words of support that came from you both.
You're not just costumiers, you're friends... and 'Charades' would not be what it is without your warmth and laughter.
Thank you again, both you and the costumes helped make 'The Mikado' a show I'll always remember.
- Mrs. K. Chambers, Performer, St Helens G & S Society
What a great time we had today working out and sorting our next show. Thank you once again. Always love working with someone with so much talent and skill.
- Mr. S. Chesters, Director & Choreographer
Brilliant costumes as always Betty and Gareth, thank you so much for always making us look good!
- Mr. D. Green, Performer
Huge thanks for the fabulous costumes for 'The Producers'!
- Mr. N. Taylor, Performer, Blackpool Operatic Players
Betty kitted me out beautifully as Norma Desmond last year. My outfits were just perfect! Highly recommended!
- Mrs. E. Norman, Performer & Director, Blackpool Operatic Players
Loved the 'Gypsy' costumes for N.A.D.O.S, you have done us proud!
- Mrs. B. Whitaker, Society Member, Newton A.D.O.S
The costumes were absolutely amazing, we can not thank you enough.
- Mrs. V. Dilworth, Performer, Newton A.D.O.S
Brilliant company, very professional, costumes that are fabulous - and fit!
- Mr. S. Ball, Performer, Walmsley Church A.O.D.S
Absolutely brilliant service from Betty and the team, Charades' costumes just lift your show to another level!
- Mrs. J. Hassouna-Smith, Director
Thank you Betty and Gareth for your stunning costumes for 'Legally Blonde'!
- Mrs. J. Weetman, Director, Heywood A.O.D.S
It has been an absolute dream working with Gareth and Betty on 'Spamalot' - they are so creative, responsive, and the attention to detail is incredible! So excited to be the first to wear this stunning wardrobe during the week ahead!
Thank you!
- Mr. P. Duckworth, Director & Performer, Leyland Methodist Music & Drama Group
The costumes were fantastic and perfectly chosen for each character and the period the show is set in. You could tell the amount of effort that had gone into each one, and not one was skimped on.
- Mrs. C. Louise, North West End (Annie, BOS Musical Theatre Company)
I've never seen so many enchanting costumes...
- Mrs. J. Taylor, Sale & Altrincham Messenger (Anything Goes, Urmston Musical Theatre)
Costumes were excellent and all totally in keeping with the era. Lots of attention to detail which is the finishing touch for the character played by any Actor.
- Mrs. W. Newton, NODA (Jekyll & Hyde, Maghull Musical Theatre Company)
Costumes were spot-on and added to the atmosphere and the production.
- Mrs. P. Connor, NODA (West Side Story, Maghull Musical Theatre Company)
Thank you so much for my fabulous costumes for AMAS' production of 'Thoroughly Modern Millie'. These are my favourite costumes in a show... EVER! Looking forward to wearing them all this week!
- Mrs. S. Barnes, Performer, Adlington Music and Arts Society
I am just about to start the run of 'Evita' in Kendal for which you have provided the costumes. I would like to say how wonderful I think they are. I have been in many productions over the years and I think these are probably the best I have seen. Everything looks fantastic and fits amazingly well.
- Mr. A. Thompson, Performer, Kendal Amateur Operatic Society
Huge thanks for coming down this evening! The costumes you are supplying for our 'Annie' are just amazing!!
- Mr. P. Rendel, Chairman, Sale & Altrincham Musical Theatre
Costumes for 'Anything Goes' last week were fantastic. Many people commented on just how much they helped enrich the show.
- Mrs. E. Harris, Director, Urmston Musical Theatre
