An entertainer whose showbiz career included taking to the stage at Hull City Hall is now helping people dress to perform as the owner of Mascarade - a fancy dress shop under that same venue.

As one half of Sheer Magic, Joanna Martyn starred at Hull City Hall and Bridlington Spa with the likes of Cannon and Ball. She also shone on the stages of cruise ships and high-class cabaret venues around the world and to celebrate the opening of Mascarade, Joanna produced her party piece, parading round the city centre streets on stilts.

Now she is building up for the festive season, starting with some Halloween horror and continuing with an array of Christmas outfits.

Joanna said: “Halloween is hectic and then we’re straight into Guy Fawkes’ Night and the Christmas and New Year celebrations, but the market for fancy dress is growing all the time.

“People in Hull love a party and they are always ready to dress to impress, so while we’re approaching the busiest time of the year the demand is increasing year-round, whether it’s family or corporate occasions, or costumes for book days at school.”

Joanna insists that her days in the spotlight are over, whether leaving audiences spellbound or strutting her stuff on the stilts. But she can still help party-goers steal the show with the right choice of outfits and accessories, and she expects to be busy with people eager to look their best for some of the big city centre events this Christmas.

Joanna said: “I was the glamorous assistant in Sheer Magic, performing on the big stages and on cruise ships and I learned a few tricks along the way including walking on stilts, which I did when we opened at the time of this year’s Hull Pride event.

“But now it’s all about fancy dress outfits and accessories and we’re looking forward to such big events as the Christmas lights switch-on, the Princes Quay Santa Parade and the Victorian Christmas event as well as all the other parties around the city.”

Kathryn Shillito, HullBID City Centre Manager, said: “Joanna has had a great career in showbiz and her experience and expertise will help people put the perfect finishing touch to their preparations for the many special occasions this Christmas.”