An inseparable mum-and-daughter duo who have worked side by side in local theatre for almost 30 years have offered a rare glimpse behind the scenes of a much-loved Leeds venue as it celebrates a major milestone.
Kath Harrison and her daughter Helen Shippin are key members of the dedicated costume and backstage team at The Carriageworks, which this year marks its 20th anniversary at the heart of Leeds’ local performing arts scene. As the venue’s official anniversary celebrations get started this month, the irrepressible duo have been reflecting on years spent handling lightning-fast costume changes, outfit mishaps and last-minute backstage role swaps.
Their family’s love affair with theatre began 29 years ago, when a 14-year-old Helen secured her first dancing role in a festive show at the former Leeds Civic Theatre. A year later, mum Kath followed her into the world of theatre, stepping into the crucial role of wardrobe supervisor. Both later moved across to The Carriageworks when it opened in 2005 and they’ve been working side by side on the theatre’s much-loved pantomime ever since.
In that time, Kath has spent every season making sure the entire cast’s costumes are washed, ironed, mended and ready for each performance of the annual festive run. In a typical year, that adds up to polishing around 200 pairs of shoes and ironing roughly 4,000 items of clothing.
During shows, Kath and Helen work side by side to oversee a whirlwind of quick changes and on-the-spot repairs – with Kath’s trusty sewing box swooping in to save the day more times than they can count.
The Carriageworks theatre artist Kath Harrison said:
“It’s like a military operation and the key is to be organised at all times. People will often come off stage between scenes with ripped trousers or a button that’s popped and I’ll have to quickly do the repairs so their pants aren’t showing to the audience.
“The real challenge though is the panto dames, they can have 10 quick changes a show, and the costumes are quite something. Last year we had to change the dame out of a leotard covered in pots and pans and into a giant cupcake. Our record is 16 seconds for a full change, and we’ve never missed one yet.
“I’ve always said to myself that I’ll keep doing this as long as I still enjoy it, and I still do. We’re all the same – if you didn’t love it, you wouldn’t do it, because it’s just too crazy otherwise.”
Helen plays an equally hectic role at The Carriageworks. Alongside working with her mum on the panto costumes, she also lends a hand behind the bar, supports front-of-house operations and steps in to deal with any unexpected crises that call for a calm head and an experienced pair of hands.
The Carriageworks theatre artist Helen Shippin said:
“Basically, if something goes wrong or breaks down, I’m the one they call. I’ve had to stand in and operate one of the puppets in Snow White before and one year I worked the stage lights for a show at the last minute because the technician’s wife went into labour right before the curtain went up.
“Every year it’s hectic and stressful and I never get to see a show from the front, but working in theatre is what I’ve wanted to do since I was a little girl, so I wouldn’t change a thing about it.
“I’ve got friends here who I’ve been working with for more than 20 years and we all keep coming back. I’m already here with my mum, but it’s like we’re all part of one family really.”
This November marks 20 years since The Carriageworks first opened its doors, taking its name from the West Riding Carriage Manufactory, which once stood on the same site in the early Victorian era and is now part of The Electric Press. Over the past two decades, the venue has welcomed more than a million audience members to over 2,000 productions, showcasing an eclectic programme with a strong focus on community and children’s theatre, much of it created by local theatre-makers.
Councillor Salma Arif, Leeds City Council’s executive member for adult social care, active lifestyles and culture said:
“The Carriageworks occupies a very special place at the heart of performing arts in Leeds, giving tireless and passionate local performers the chance to showcase their talents and express themselves in a space dedicated to community theatre.
“For twenty years the theatre has been entertaining Leeds audiences, giving families the chance to come together and experience local, accessible productions. It’s a huge milestone for the theatre and for all the organisations which have helped shape its unique story.”
Alongside this, the theatre hosts comedy, live music and a wide range of guest speakers throughout the year, all with the aim of celebrating Leeds and its diverse communities. It is also home to the Leeds Community Arts Network, a community-led initiative dedicated to making the arts accessible to everyone. For Kath and Helen, it’s more than just a workplace – year after year, The Carriageworks has been a place filled with friendship, laughter and countless treasured memories.
As The Carriageworks celebrates its 20th anniversary, there’s plenty to look back on: from sold-out pantos and emotional community performances to first-time actors finding their confidence on stage. For the city, the theatre has become a symbol of accessible, grassroots culture – a place where Leeds’ diverse communities can see themselves represented. For its staff, volunteers and regular performers, it’s something even more personal: a second home filled with friendship, laughter and years of shared stories.
Two decades on from opening night, The Carriageworks theatre is still doing what it does best – giving Leeds a stage and making sure everyone gets a chance to stand in the spotlight.
