Twan Lentjes: I wish I’d known…

I wish I’d known… Our series of interviews with theatre makers sharing their experiences of working in the industry

MGCfutures speaks to Costume Maker & Embroiderer and 2019 Stephanie Arditti Bursary recipient, Twan Lentjes

When did you decide on your current career path and what prompted your decision?

I kind of wanted to be a fashion designer as a kid as I loved sewing and making things, but due to bullying I never pursued it when I was choosing my first degree. In 2011 I moved to London and joined an amateur musical theatre company at City Academy and we had to provide our own costumes, so I bought a sewing machine and started sewing again. When we did a show at RADA in 2014 I realised I should make it my profession, and my friends also told me I should. So in 2016, at 29-years-old, I started my training at Wimbledon College of Arts – University of the Arts London.

What was the biggest challenge you faced in the beginning?

I wanted to create a habit à la Française – a French court suit with embroidery – but I didn’t want to resort to a trim that didn’t look anything like it. So I had to learn how to use digital embroidery and hire an embroidery machine to make it happen. Thankfully, Wilcom let me use the software for free during this period.

What has been one of the greatest rewards?

Achieving the embroidery in a way I never thought would have been possible.

What advice would you give the younger you just starting out?

I would say things will come your way when they need to. You keep on learning and, when you’re ready, others will help you get further as long as you work hard.