THIS fabulous Berwick Kaler frock from the dame’s pantomime wardrobe for Humpty Dumpty in 2009-2010 will be among the York Theatre Royal costumes for sale on Saturday, February 19.

In the lead-up to the costume collection and rehearsal space being moved to the De Grey Rooms, staff will open the doors to the costume-hire department at the present building in Walmgate to offer you a chance to acquire a piece of the theatre’s history.

The 10am costume sale at The Maltings will raise money to help the theatre renovate its new premises, next to the Theatre Royal in St Leonard’s Place, where costume hire will be open to the public from March.

Over the past few months, extensive restoration work has been carried out in the De Grey Rooms by the theatre and York Conservation Trust to return the 1841 building to its former glory.

It will house the education and stage management teams and will host all of the theatre’s rehearsals from February. In addition, the restored premises will be used for youth theatre work and educational and outreach workshops, and the ballroom will be open once again to host dancing nights.

“Next month’s costume sale is open to all and is a great way for people to pick up that fancy-dress outfit, own a part of the theatre’s history or build on a costume stock for your own productions,” says Rebecca Storey, the Theatre Royal’s press and media manager.

From March 5, the new contact number for costume hire will be 01904 715444 and you can send an email to the department at costumehire@yorktheatreroyal.co.uk. Opening times will be Tuesdays, 10am to 4pm; Thursdays, 10am to 2pm, by appointment only; and Saturdays, 10am to 4pm.