Lee Dartnell

Lee Dartnell is costume maker, specialising in dye and breakdown and armoury. With multiple experiences working as costume supervisor on large scale productions with complicated costume tracks, and have also worked on film shoots as both costumer and runner. During their third year at BOVTS they have researched natural dyeing and historical methods for creating armour out of fabric, leather, plate metal and chainmail, alongside developing their skills as a maker.

EXPERIENCE:

Costume Maker and Textile artist:
David Copperfield, Bath Theatre Royal– textile artist and dyer
January – February 2026
Dyeing multiple duplicates of costumes and subtle breakdown
The Christmas Carol, BOVTS – Maker
November 2025
Black frock coat and cloak for “The Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come”; this make includes Tailoring, breakdown, and mould-making.
The Watsons, BOVTS – textile artist and dyer
February 2025
Colour matching and dyeing existing garments.
Theabans, BOVTS – textile artist and dyer
February 2025
Breaking down several garments and creating blood SFX.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream, BOVTS – Maker
January – February 2025
I made a stretch, medieval-inspired gown for Titarnia with wings. Alongside this, I also dyed both the outer fabric and the skin tone.
Treasure Island, BOVTS – Textile artist and dyer
November 2024
I broke down several costumes and created a range of different dye effects.
Twelfth Night, BOVTS— Textile artist and dyer
February 2024
I broke down the costume worn by Malvolio during his prison scenes.
Elves and the Shoemaker, BOVTS — Maker
December 2023
I remade and styled the two wigs worn by the elves, altering them to be quick-changeable.

Costume supervisor
Mephisto, BOVTS – Costume Supervisor
April – June 2025
Promenade/ semi-immersive play, performed at the Loco Club, set from the 1920s to the 1930s. Contains a heavy dressing plot, extensive hair and makeup and several plays within the play.
Foxfinder, BOVTS – Cover Costume Supervisor
April – May 2025
A dystopian thriller, I covered the second and third weeks of rehearsal on this show. Finished alterations, breakdown costumes and created SFX for a fresh whip wound on a vest.
The Welkin, BOVTS – Costume Supervisor
October – November 2024
Set in the 18th century, with some modern elements. As part of working on this show, I also led workshops in Dye and breakdown, and worked closely with stage management and the actors to rig SFX effects into the costumes.
Black Mountain, BOVTS— Costume Supervisor and Dresser
May 2024
A modern thriller, set in the mountains. This show also required costumes to be broken down and the prepping of various blood SFX effects.

Costume Assistant and Dresser:
The Marriage of Figaro, Open Opera Project – Costume assistant and Dresser
August – October 2024
Tiger Country, BOVTS — Costume assistant and Dresser
March 2024
A Very expensive Poison, BOVTS — Costume assistant and Dresser
February 2024

Film/ Costume standby:
Ramble, Peanut Productions Ltd – Runner
March 2025
Palindrome, BOVTS – Costume supervisor and standby
February 2025
Four-letter word, BOVTS – Costume supervisor and standby
February 2026