THERE were a few dramatic bidding wars taking place in Bolton on Saturday at a unique auction sale.

Bidders were trying their hands at winning theatrical costumes made by well-known wardrobe mistress Edwina, also known as Eddie, Freeman.

Among the goods on offer were anything from dresses from productions such as My Fair Lady to Edwardian frock coats, dickie bows and even a camel outfit.

Many of Bolton’s theatre world turned out on the day to lend their support and pick up an unusual treasure or two.

Jennie Bentham went along with some of the members of St George’s Dramatic and Music Society in Chorley for the morning and walked out with a clothes rail full of dresses.

She said: “We just picked up some bits and bobs for some forthcoming productions. It’s the kind of stuff you look for time and time again only to get outbid on eBay when you do find it! There are some lovely Edwardian ladies dresses which we have bid on and are very pleased with.”

After more than 40 years designing and making costumes for Bolton’s amateur operatic and dramatic world, Mrs Freeman, aged 75, decided to say goodbye to her beloved collection due to an ongoing battle with Parkinsons.

The sale was being held at storage facilities in Bolton where she keeps many of her creations.

Natalie Crompton from the Marco Players and her son Adam, 10, were rifling through boxes of assorted wigs.

She added: “I’ve known Eddie for a very long time, she helped me out when I first became a wardrobe mistress.

“She has done a lot of things for local amateur dramatics over the years.”

Of the many hand-made costumes Mrs Freeman has designed, fitted and sewed together, the most prized is Priscilla the goose which can flap its tail, move its beak to speak, lay golden eggs and even cry – thanks to handy levers and pumps all hidden inside its frame.

Auctioneer Peter Haslam had his eye on the golden opportunity to pick up his own little nest-egg of a goose but instead opted for a string of onions.

“They are for a production of ‘Allo ‘Allo! by the 18th Hole Theatre Company next year, they are absolutely great, just perfect,” he explained.

“I wouldn’t mind buying the goose but it’s just a question of where do you store it!”

Sadly, while many had a gander, Priscilla and Cecil the Camel, did not find homes at the end of the day and have gone back into storage while friends have offered to help Mrs Freeman continue to seek buyers.

She said: “There’s a lot of stuff left and I don’t know where to put it all.It’s a shame there was no bid or inquiry for Priscilla, she is still looking for a home.

“Everybody seems to have the same problem of trying to find the space, she is quite a bulky bird after all!

“We will keep trying to move and sell things.”