IF the magic of theatre fashion and costume design makes you want to immediately whip out your sewing kit, the Royal Opera House has a great opportunity for you.

It comes in the form of a special Inspiration Day, where you can tour the production workshop to see craftspeople at work.

You can also take part in a hands-on costume workshop with experienced costume designer and maker Lesley Ford.

It doesn’t take place until October, but there are only 20 places available, so act fast if you’d like to be involved.

Jules Easlea, publicity officer for the Royalo Opera House in Purfleet, said: “Octobe’s Inspiration Day offers a tour of the production workshop, and an opportunity to see some of our many online and virtual resources about costume.

“In the afternoon, participants will take part in a workshop with Lesley.

“The workshop will explore characterisation through costume, analyzing visual stereotypes, such as good and bad characters, and defining visual clues that audiences might expect to see and read easily in their costumes.”

Costumes from the Royal Opera House store, in Thurrock, will be available to handle and even try on.

Jules added: “Since the regular tour programme began running in 2012, more than 2,000 people have caught a fascinating glimpse into the skills and talents of the many scenic painters, carpenters and metalworkers who work at our state-of-the-art workshop.

“Until now, the very popular Inspiration Days have only been open to groups. But, for the first time now, individuals can book to attend.”

The event is on Friday, October 24, from 10.30am to 3pm at the Royal Opera House Bob and Tamar Manoukian Production Workshop, at High House Production Park, Purfleet.

The cost, including lunch, is £30, or £25 for under-18s. Booking is essential via the Royal Opera House box office on 020 7304 4000 or at roh.org.uk For further information, e-mail getinvolved@roh.org.uk, or call 01708 891200.