Ayr Gaiety Theatre costumes up for sale

May 29 2009 by Edwin Lawrence

IT’S fancy dress heaven if you’re looking for a crazy new look.

But it’s theatrical hell for Ayr, as a massive collection goes up for sale.

Costume hire firm Popplewells are clearing out their entire theatre stock.

Most of this comes from the Gaiety wardrobe, from the days when it was a top variety theatre.

And Popplewells’ owner Martin Leske sees no future in holding on to the outfits.

He said: “We’re staying in the fancy dress business.

“But the time has come to part with the old Gaiety wardrobe.”

Martin added: “It’s a sign of the times I suppose.

“It was bad enough when the Civic Theatre closed.

“But Ayr without the Gaiety is scandalous.”

He explained: “There’s less and less demand for the sequins, feathers and gaudy patterns of the old variety days.

“It’s a great shame, but I simply don’t have the time to classify the costumes or the space to hold on to this stock of up to 1500 items.”

Anyone on the look-out for an unusual costume could pick one up for as little as a fiver as the big sale gets underway.

But Martin hopes it won’t be the final curtain for most of the old costumes.

He said: “I’d like to think musical societies and theatre companies would be interested, as well as individuals.

“So there might a bit of life yet in some of these classic costumes.”

Some of the costumes may have significance in theatre history.

And Martin will try to sell these privately.

In this category are costumes worn by comedy legends Morecambe and Wise.

Also a ball gown worn by glamorous 50s film star Kay Kendall.

Gaiety costumes and props were unwanted by the council when they took over ownership of the theatre in 1975.

And former wardrobe mistress Joyce Blane and daughter Joy went on to use them for fancy dress hire, based in an old church in George Street.

Martin Leske kept the name Popplewells – the family who once owned the Gaiety – when he took over the business and moved to Crown Street.