Dressed in Time: On Stage

M&S' history is being brought to life at the West Yorkshire Playhouse.

Image: Advert for men's cardigans from 1967. The M&S Company Archive

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Characters from Marks & Spencer's past will share their stories, revealing over 130 years of M&S history with vintage fashion and music.

The play, which features actors from the local community, will reach new audiences using fashion and music to tell the fascinating story of M&S from Leeds market stall to international retailer. 

Leeds students on the MA Writing for Performance and Publication were chosen to co-write a script for the theatre production at West Yorkshire Playhouse, that is infused with the history of Marks & Spencer and showcases how the company came to be what it is today. 

Postgraduate students Elizabeth Godber and Shreya Sikka from the School of Performance and Cultural Industries were chosen for internships with the archive, which is based on the University campus. 

Talking about the opportunity, Shreya commented: “This project has made me more confident about my writing. I take pride in the fact that I've been involved in a project that includes big names like M&S and West Yorkshire Playhouse. I'm very lucky to come across this unique opportunity whilst studying at the University.” 

Banner image: Spring prints advert from 1968. The M&S Company Archive.

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