Since graduating from The Northern School of Art’s BA (Hons) Costume Interpretation with Design course, Leigh Telford has built a wealth of experience in the world of costume, working across musical theatre, live performance, television and freelance productions.
Leigh began working as a local dresser at Sunderland Empire, gaining experience on touring productions including Les Misérables, My Fair Lady, Birmingham Royal Ballet and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Alongside this, Leigh developed a freelance career as a wardrobe assistant, working on major touring productions including Beyoncé’s Renaissance World Tour, Michael Bublé’s An Evening with Michael Tour, Diversity’s Connected Tour and PAW Patrol Live!. Leigh also gained television experience through a stint working on CBBC’s The Dumping Ground.
A move into permanent musical theatre work saw Leigh join The Lion King UK, Ireland and Switzerland tour, progressing from Assistant to Deputy Head of Wardrobe. This led to a first Head of Wardrobe position on the UK and Ireland tour of Madagascar the Musical, before Leigh moved into the role of Wardrobe Supervisor for the production, and then to Deputy Head of Wardrobe at Hamilton in London’s West End.
Hamilton’s costumes are predominantly historical, drawing on tailoring, corsetry and millinery from between 1700 and 1850. “These are all areas I was lucky enough to study in my time at The Northern School of Art and skills I use day to day,” Leigh has said.
Instagram: @leightelfordcostumier