Behind the curtain secrets revealed as theatre celebrates milestone

An inseparable mum and daughter have revealed what goes on behind the curtain at a historic Leeds venue celebrating a major milestone.

- by Andrew Hutchinson

Kath Harrison and her daughter Helen Shippin

Kath Harrison and her daughter Helen Shippin are integral parts of the hardworking costume and backstage team at the Carriageworks, which this year marks its 20th anniversary at the heart of the city's performing arts scene.

Ahead of the venue's official celebrations next month, the irrepressible pair have been looking back on years of managing endless quick changes, wardrobe malfunctions and last-minute job swaps behind the scenes.

The family's love affair with theatre began 29 years ago when Helen, then just 14, landed her debut dancing role in a festive production at the old Leeds Civic Theatre.

Mum Kath followed her into the business a year later, taking up the vital post of wardrobe supervisor. The two both moved to the Carriageworks when it opened in 2005 and have been working side by side on the theatre's panto ever since.