SEAMS tend to keep things together, just ask an ex-Dunmow school pupil who is now an international costume designer for stage productions, ballets and pantomimes.

Bryony Clayden, 35, used to walk the halls at Helena Romanes School but now occupies the corridors of theatres from New York to London, and this winter the Chelmsford Civic.

She has a huge hand, or delicate touch, in making sure the actors and singers in this year’s Pantomime are ready for action every night as they continue with 2010’s show, Aladdin.

Running from now until January 2 the show is for adults and children and is a rollicking ride including all the favourite catchphrases, and singing and dancing.

Backstage Miss Claydon will be admiring the work already done in the build up to the show, which this year is the biggest ever, as her costumes bring the show to life.

She said: “It is nice to sit back and see the costumes in action. Months of preparation and then actual making goes into each and every one, from Widow Twankey and Wishee Washey all the way to Aladdin himself.

“I really enjoy what I do and it has allowed mw to work n some tremendous places, like Broadway in New York and London’s West End.

Miss Clayden has been costume designing for over 13 years and graduated with a degree in theatre arts in 2003.

This will be her sixth year working as wardrobe mistress for the annual pantomime and she is delighted to be part of the team at The Civic Theatre and is looking forward to bringing Aladdin to life.

Her previous roles include wardrobe assistant with the English National Ballet but she enjoys working with the various characters involved in stage productions.

One of them is Nathan Guy, 30, a former children’s TV show Lazy Town performer, who is playing Wishee Washey at the Civic.

He said: “The costumes are amazing this year, bright and colourful, it really allows us performers to play up our parts – not that I need much invitation because I love being silly.

“This year’s Panto is so much fun, everyone should come along and join in the fun.”

Aladdin runs until January 2 and seats can be reserved by calling the Box Office on 01245 606505, or book online at chelmsford.gov.uk/theatres. Tickets are priced between �13 and �18 with special rates for groups, families and schools.