Monday June 1st 2026
Witch, Macbeth, made by Miranda Burns, based on designs by Alex Reid (photography by Infinite Blue Designs)
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Edinburgh College’s HND Costume for Stage and Screen students hosted their end of year show at Dalkeith Palace, creating a sell-out performance described as a ‘huge success’.
With organisers explaining that the palace venue lent itself perfectly to the show, it was the first time Edinburgh College had hosted a show at Dalkeith Palace, creating a costume showcase that allowed students to display costume designs in a fashion runway style.
Armand D’Hubert, the Duellists, French 5th Hussar, by Julia Bracewell (photography by Infinite Blue)
Hosted on 19 May, the show was a success amongst audience members and organisers with one spectator commenting that it was ‘like being at a Dior or Chanel show but for costume’.
Named ‘Much Ado About Costume’, the cast and crew of around 80 people took the audience on a journey through costume history and fantasy, showcasing 17th century doublet-centered menswear, women’s foundation garments spanning the Elizabethan, Georgian and Victorian eras and 18th century Hussar-inspired menswear pieces.
Group of Models, 2 nd Year Hussar inspired costumes (photography Infinite Blue Designs)
The costume crescendo was 17 costumes made by the second year students based on designs by the late Alex Reid.
Alex lived in Perthshire and worked for many years with Scottish Opera, the National Theatre and the Royal Shakespeare Company. He received two Tony Award nominations at the 1985 Tony Awards for his work on the Royal Shakespeare Company’s productions of Cyrano de Bergerac and Much Ado About Nothing.
After gifting his Macbeth designs to the HND class tutor Liz McCafferty, Alex’s work inspired the students to bring their costumes to life. To honour Alex, Shakespeare quotes were sprinkled throughout the production.
Lady Macbeth, made by Lucy Martin, and two ladies in waiting made by Yanecka Mitchell (mid) and Bryony Stocker (r) based on designs by Alex Reid (photography by Infinite Blue Designs)
Highlighting that Dalkeith Palace ‘couldn’t be anymore helpful’, second year student and show presenter Julia Bracewell explained:
“I had attended costume balls at the Palace in the past and knew that the Palace was a Great Gallery which could host a runway show, and rooms that were potential dressing rooms, make up rooms, green room and exhibition area.
“When we were discussing potential venues for this year’s show, I suggested the Palace. Our tutors, Liz McCafferty and Riba Duncan, visited the venue and the rest is history.”
Show director Yanecka Mitchell added: “The staff at the Palace were very supportive, helping us in so many ways to put on a highly successful show. Our afternoon and evening shows were sold out.”
Yanecka Mitchell and her Cameron Highlander at Waterloo costume (photography by Infinite Blue Designs)
Edinburgh College’s costume course is highly regarded in the industry for its technical, making and design skills. Students are highly sought after. The students begin the course with varying levels of knowledge and experience (some had never even threaded a needle). The showcase at the palace was organised by the students as their graded assessment.
Birnham Wood Warrior, Macbeth, made by Julia Bracewell based on design by Alex Reid (photography by Infinite Blue Designs)
Birnham Wood Warriors, Macbeth, (l to r) made by Julia Bracewell, Lily Lewis, Bethany McGregor, Lee O’Donnell, Kelly Michael and Marian McPhillips (photography by Infinite Blue Designs)
Nikolai Rostov, War and Peace by Bryony Stocker (photography by Infinite Blue Designs)
Witch, Macbeth, made by Martin Dobson based on design by Alex Reid (photography by Infinite Blue Designs)
What Would a Targaryen wear in the 18th century – Anne Heyer (photography by Infinite Blue Designs)
Lady in Waiting Macbeth made by Fiona Nimmo based on design by Alex Reid (photography by Infinite Blue Designs)
Tweet Share on Facebook
