Looking for a day trip that weaves together theatre, history, and behind-the-scenes magic? Join Pip, Head of Costume Hire at the Royal Shakespeare Company, as he steps out from the wardrobe department to explore the rich creative landscape of Stratford-upon-Avon and beyond.

For Pip, theatre isn’t just about what happens on stage – it’s the craftsmanship, the community, and the stories stitched into every costume, every street, and every stone.

Let’s follow his journey through a region steeped in drama, design, and discovery.
 


A backstage start at the Royal Shakespeare Company, Stratford-upon-Avon

We begin where all great Shakespearean adventures do – in Stratford. But this time, not in the spotlight.

Tucked away behind the scenes of the world-renowned Royal Shakespeare Company, Pip’s day often starts in the Costume Hire department – a treasure trove of velvet cloaks, period corsets, and stage-worn jackets.

“Every piece in here has a story,” Pip says, running a hand over the intricate embroidery of a Jacobean gown. “We’re not just storing costumes – we’re preserving pieces of theatre history.”

The RSC’s costume hire service is open to the public, meaning you could walk out in an outfit that once graced the stage in Hamlet or Much Ado. Whether it’s for a party, a production, or just because, it’s a chance to literally step into a different role.

But today, Pip’s stepping out – trading sewing scissors for a train ticket.
 


Creative inspiration at Compton Verney

Just a short drive from Stratford, Compton Verney is one of Pip’s favourite escapes. A historic manor turned contemporary art gallery, it’s a place where stately architecture meets bold, modern vision.

“I love how it combines everything – heritage, design, creativity,” Pip says, walking through an exhibition that blends classical sculpture with digital light projections. “There’s something about seeing old and new collide like that – it reminds me of what we do at the RSC.”

Outside, the grounds offer space to reflect and recharge. Wildflowers line the lake, and sculptures rise from the greenery.

“After the intensity of a costume season, this place brings a kind of calm creativity.”
 


Lunch break with a view in Warwick

Onward to Warwick for a bit of history – and lunch.

Pip heads to a cosy spot just outside the gates of Warwick Castle. Over a locally baked pie and a strong cup of tea, he talks about how being in the West Midlands has shaped his path.

“There’s so much craft in this region. Whether it’s in textiles, metalwork, or storytelling – people here really make things.”

A post-lunch wander through the town’s independent shops uncovers vintage fabrics, handmade jewellery, and even a secondhand book filled with Shakespeare’s sonnets. “It’s hard not to leave with something.”
 


A hidden gem in Birmingham’s Digbeth

Later in the day, Pip hops on a train to Birmingham – just under an hour away – and heads straight for Digbeth, the city’s creative quarter.

Here, under graffiti-covered railway arches, you’ll find artists’ studios, screen printers, and fabric merchants all operating side by side. It’s raw, it’s real, and it’s exactly the kind of place that gets Pip’s imagination whirring.

He ducks into a workshop where artisans are reviving traditional tailoring techniques with a streetwear twist.

“This is the future of costume, honestly. Collaboration. Culture. Craft with edge.”
 


Winding down at the Custard Factory

As the sun starts to dip, Pip finds himself outside the Custard Factory – a converted industrial site now home to makers, designers, and indie shops.

There’s a secondhand record store, a pop-up vintage fair, and a café serving theatrical cocktails named after Shakespeare characters (he orders a “Lady M,” naturally).

“Places like this remind me that the arts aren’t just in theatres or galleries – they’re everywhere. In clothes, in cafés, in the energy of a city.”
 


Reflecting on a region that inspires

As Pip heads back toward the train station, carrying a tote bag filled with vintage fabric swatches and a new notebook, he reflects on what keeps him rooted here.

“There’s a heartbeat to this region. You’ve got centuries of history, but also this incredible forward motion. You can make things happen here – you can build, design, and tell stories.”

Whether it’s in the wardrobe department of the RSC or walking through the streets of Digbeth, Pip is always in search of something: inspiration, connection, texture, and narrative.
 


Plan your own story-filled escape

From Shakespeare’s hometown to Birmingham’s creative heart, Pip’s day is proof that the West Midlands offers more than just sights – it offers stories.

Whether you’re a maker, a dreamer, or just curious to see the region through a different lens, this route is a perfect blend of theatre, design, and discovery.

What story will you step into?
 


Explore more

Want to follow in Pip’s footsteps? Discover Compton Verney, the Custard Factory, and the RSC’s Costume Hire department – and uncover the threads of creativity that connect them all.