0:00:06 > 0:00:11This is one of the most complete medieval castles in the country.
0:00:11 > 0:00:17Today, Flog It comes to you from the very majestic Warwick Castle.
0:00:49 > 0:00:54Castles like Warwick are full of tales of wonder and excitement.
0:00:54 > 0:00:59That's exactly what we want and hopefully all the people here,
0:00:59 > 0:01:03all laden with antiques, are gonna provide it.
0:01:08 > 0:01:12'Our team of experts are here in force,
0:01:12 > 0:01:18'led by Anita Manning, whose interest in antiques started with her granny's furniture.
0:01:20 > 0:01:23'She leaves no stone unturned.'
0:01:23 > 0:01:26- You've got more stuff? - No. That's my lunch.
0:01:26 > 0:01:31'And Thomas Plant, another tenacious auctioneer with a keen eye.'
0:01:31 > 0:01:34That's a Military Medal. This is a good group.
0:01:35 > 0:01:40'Coming up, Thomas establishes the facts.'
0:01:40 > 0:01:44- I take it you are not a make-up wearer.- Not my shade.
0:01:44 > 0:01:47'Anita never fails to astonish me.'
0:01:47 > 0:01:50My mum thinks I should get a wee cat
0:01:50 > 0:01:54so there will be somebody to talk to me when I come home from work.
0:01:56 > 0:02:01'I find out what's been happening in Stratford-upon-Avon.'
0:02:01 > 0:02:04My powers are at their height.
0:02:04 > 0:02:07Yours are overthrown!
0:02:17 > 0:02:21'Anita's first at the table, with Wendy and daughter Penny.'
0:02:21 > 0:02:27I am a great fan of 20th-century glass.
0:02:27 > 0:02:30This is a lovely piece of Whitefriars.
0:02:30 > 0:02:33Where did you get it, Wendy?
0:02:33 > 0:02:35I got it in a charity shop. Yes.
0:02:35 > 0:02:40- How much did you pay for it? - And I paid 75 pence.
0:02:40 > 0:02:45- Oh, that's a good buy. - But it was grubby when I bought it.
0:02:45 > 0:02:47I had to wash it.
0:02:47 > 0:02:50- Did you know it was Whitefriars? - I thought it might be.
0:02:50 > 0:02:53I wasn't absolutely certain.
0:02:53 > 0:02:56Did you do your research on it?
0:02:56 > 0:03:01- I washed it and had a look at the bottom.- That's always important.
0:03:01 > 0:03:04If we look at that lovely polished pontil,
0:03:04 > 0:03:08that base part which is joined to the rod.
0:03:08 > 0:03:11If that's polished we know that that's quality.
0:03:11 > 0:03:14It's also got a nice weight.
0:03:14 > 0:03:19- Whitefriars has been making glass for over 200 years.- Oh.
0:03:19 > 0:03:22One reason why they were successful
0:03:22 > 0:03:26is because they adapted to the changing times.
0:03:26 > 0:03:30And in the 1970s, they employed a wonderful designer
0:03:30 > 0:03:33called Geoffrey Baxter.
0:03:33 > 0:03:37He was responsible for a magnificent range of glass
0:03:37 > 0:03:39which became all the fashion
0:03:39 > 0:03:42and has retained its value.
0:03:42 > 0:03:46Even in today's market, the younger people love it.
0:03:46 > 0:03:51This vase is called Sunburst, for obvious reasons.
0:03:51 > 0:03:55- Yes. - It was made in the 1970s.
0:03:55 > 0:04:00- Very, very popular just now. Penny, do you like it?- I love it.
0:04:00 > 0:04:03It's beautiful. It's really lovely.
0:04:03 > 0:04:06- Why are you letting Mum sell it? - BOTH LAUGH
0:04:06 > 0:04:10Mum's very kindly said that I can have it
0:04:10 > 0:04:13to raise some money for the Cats' Protection League.
0:04:13 > 0:04:15I've started fostering cats.
0:04:15 > 0:04:22- So this will make some money?- Yeah. - She's a nice mum.- She's lovely! Yes.
0:04:22 > 0:04:25It's a wonderful little vase.
0:04:25 > 0:04:29Some Geoffrey Baxter ones make four figures.
0:04:29 > 0:04:33This is a smaller, more common one.
0:04:33 > 0:04:37I would like to put it into auction at £60 to £80.
0:04:37 > 0:04:40We'll put a reserve of 60.
0:04:40 > 0:04:43- Would you be happy, Wendy, at that? - Yes.
0:04:43 > 0:04:45- Penny?- Fantastic.
0:04:45 > 0:04:50- Would that help to foster a good few kittens?- Absolutely.
0:04:50 > 0:04:55- I love it. Thank you very much for bringing it along.- Thank you.
0:04:55 > 0:05:01'Let's hope the Whitefriars fans are at the auction. Talking of fans,
0:05:01 > 0:05:03'guess who this is supposed to be.'
0:05:05 > 0:05:08Elvis is in the building!
0:05:10 > 0:05:15'Next, Thomas with Terrence, and an unusually feminine item.'
0:05:18 > 0:05:20Thank you for bringing the compact.
0:05:20 > 0:05:23I take it you are not a make-up wearer.
0:05:23 > 0:05:27- Not my shade.- Not your shade?- No! - Who did it belong to?
0:05:27 > 0:05:32My mother and I don't think it was HER shade because she never used it.
0:05:32 > 0:05:35- Really?- It was kept in the box in the drawer.
0:05:35 > 0:05:39It was probably a wedding present to her in the 1930s.
0:05:39 > 0:05:42And, as I say, she never used it.
0:05:42 > 0:05:48It's made by Innoxa. That's quite a stylish lettering.
0:05:48 > 0:05:52- Have you looked into them? - I looked them up on the internet.
0:05:52 > 0:05:56Innoxa was founded by a French dermatologist,
0:05:56 > 0:05:59Dr Frederick Debat in 1920.
0:05:59 > 0:06:04And it was a hypoallergenic make.
0:06:04 > 0:06:09Isn't that amazing? In the '20s and '30s, developing make-up like that.
0:06:09 > 0:06:13- Your mother was married in 1930? - 1938, '39.
0:06:13 > 0:06:16So it's about that sort of period.
0:06:16 > 0:06:21You can see the design on this chrome, with this green enamel.
0:06:21 > 0:06:24Very big bold colours and geometric design.
0:06:24 > 0:06:30The Deco in the '20s was geometric but fine, but this really hits you.
0:06:30 > 0:06:32Yes. It does.
0:06:33 > 0:06:36The mirror.
0:06:36 > 0:06:39It's still got the original powder. Your mother...
0:06:39 > 0:06:43She never used it so it's the original powder.
0:06:43 > 0:06:47This is the powder. You do that.
0:06:47 > 0:06:49Shake it and it comes out.
0:06:49 > 0:06:57It has a little sifter thing that you open and then you dab it in.
0:06:57 > 0:07:01- Why did you bring it today? - It's just in our drawer.
0:07:01 > 0:07:05When my mother died, there were bits and pieces that we had.
0:07:05 > 0:07:09It is a very attractive piece that someone, perhaps a collector,
0:07:09 > 0:07:11might appreciate.
0:07:11 > 0:07:16There are compact collectors. There are Deco collectors as well.
0:07:16 > 0:07:19We're more appealing to the compact collector.
0:07:19 > 0:07:22I've never seen this type of compact before.
0:07:22 > 0:07:26What's good is we've got the original box.
0:07:26 > 0:07:29Being an unloved shade,
0:07:29 > 0:07:33it's definitely been preserved so well with its box, et cetera.
0:07:33 > 0:07:38- It's not worth a king's ransom. - I appreciate that.
0:07:38 > 0:07:44I don't think over £50. I think 30 to 50 is a sensible estimate.
0:07:44 > 0:07:48I thought about 30, I must admit, when I was asked.
0:07:48 > 0:07:53I think £30 to £50, very sensible. I'd put the reserve at £20.
0:07:53 > 0:07:56I wouldn't want it to go for less than £20.
0:07:56 > 0:08:02I have a friend who's interested and I'd rather give it to her than give it away.
0:08:02 > 0:08:05- Shall we set the reserve at 25? - That'll be fine. Yeah.
0:08:05 > 0:08:11OK, we'll set the reserve at 25, the estimate at 30 to 50.
0:08:11 > 0:08:14It gives the opportunity for collectors to buy it
0:08:14 > 0:08:18- and maybe compete against each other.- Hopefully!
0:08:18 > 0:08:24'I think the original box will make the difference to collectors.
0:08:24 > 0:08:29'Looks like some of our owners are making the most of the day.'
0:08:29 > 0:08:31PAUL LAUGHS
0:08:31 > 0:08:35Have we found our owner that's going home with a lot of money?
0:08:35 > 0:08:40Stay tuned and you'll find out later in the show. Cheers, everybody.
0:08:44 > 0:08:49'It's time to join Anita, Peter and Susan and some family heirlooms.'
0:08:51 > 0:08:53Peter, where did you get them?
0:08:53 > 0:08:59I inherited them from an uncle in 1995, with other bits and pieces.
0:08:59 > 0:09:03They've been doing nothing since then.
0:09:03 > 0:09:09You haven't worn them to a function, a fancy function or whatever?
0:09:09 > 0:09:13I'm afraid we haven't been to a suitable function.
0:09:13 > 0:09:17I doubt whether I would have worn them anyway.
0:09:17 > 0:09:19Susan, what do you think of these?
0:09:19 > 0:09:23They're very pretty, but they just sit in a drawer.
0:09:23 > 0:09:27They sat there for 15 years and our son's not interested.
0:09:27 > 0:09:31- I'd rather somebody appreciated them.- Pass them on.
0:09:31 > 0:09:34Quite a nice wee collection.
0:09:34 > 0:09:37This one I particularly like.
0:09:37 > 0:09:41It's in its original fitted box and I like that.
0:09:41 > 0:09:45What I like even more, and I had a look earlier on,
0:09:45 > 0:09:48when I open this watch...
0:09:48 > 0:09:51it's hallmarked for 18-carat gold.
0:09:51 > 0:09:56That is very, very good.
0:09:56 > 0:10:00This gold price is high just now so it's a good time to sell.
0:10:00 > 0:10:04It's a nice clean watch in good condition.
0:10:04 > 0:10:09It's been protected by the fact that it's been in this original box.
0:10:09 > 0:10:13It has a porcelain face in good condition.
0:10:13 > 0:10:15Roman numerals.
0:10:15 > 0:10:17We have our second hand
0:10:17 > 0:10:20and we can tell by the movement of the second hand
0:10:20 > 0:10:23that it's still in working order.
0:10:23 > 0:10:27So a good clean item.
0:10:27 > 0:10:31- How old would that be?- I would say this would be from about 1880.
0:10:31 > 0:10:36This wouldn't be the everyday watch. This would be the Sunday watch.
0:10:36 > 0:10:41- A very nice watch of nice quality. - Would it be an American watch?
0:10:41 > 0:10:46It's in an American box but it's not an American watch.
0:10:46 > 0:10:52- This would have been exported, sent to America and sold there.- Right.
0:10:52 > 0:10:57When we look at your other two, we have fairly standard watches.
0:10:57 > 0:11:01This bonnie little watch is rolled gold.
0:11:01 > 0:11:05It's not gold, but it's Elgin, which is a fairly good make.
0:11:05 > 0:11:10And we have a silver pocket watch, your everyday watch.
0:11:10 > 0:11:15We can see that it is attached to a silver Albert.
0:11:15 > 0:11:21Each of these links is individually hallmarked with a little lion.
0:11:21 > 0:11:24I would put those two as one lot.
0:11:24 > 0:11:28And I would put this as one lot.
0:11:28 > 0:11:33I would like to put this in with an estimate of £300 to £500.
0:11:33 > 0:11:37- Would you be happy at that? - Yes, as long as there's a reserve.
0:11:37 > 0:11:43We will put a reserve of £300, a firm reserve on that.
0:11:43 > 0:11:49But I have a feeling that we will go higher than the bottom estimate.
0:11:49 > 0:11:52I like to estimate conservatively.
0:11:52 > 0:11:57- It makes the bidders hungry.- Yes. - That's what we want.- We hope so!
0:11:59 > 0:12:06This little lot, more ordinary. We'll put, perhaps, 40 to 60.
0:12:06 > 0:12:14A firm reserve, again, of £40 on that wee lot. Do you feel...?
0:12:14 > 0:12:17- Reasonably OK with that. - Reasonably OK?
0:12:17 > 0:12:21I want you to be happy. Your happiness is important to me!
0:12:21 > 0:12:23- We'll chance it.- We trust you.
0:12:23 > 0:12:26Firm reserve £300.
0:12:26 > 0:12:31- Firm reserve, £40.- OK.- It's been a delight to look at these items.
0:12:31 > 0:12:35- And lovely to have you along. - Nice to meet you, Anita.
0:12:37 > 0:12:42People keep pouring in, laden with antiques and collectables.
0:12:42 > 0:12:46It's thirsty work, so I'm not going anywhere without this.
0:12:46 > 0:12:51Our experts have found the first items to take to the saleroom.
0:12:51 > 0:12:56I'll leave you with a rundown of the items going under the hammer.
0:12:56 > 0:12:58And I'm going off for a cup of tea.
0:13:00 > 0:13:06'Wendy and Penny hope to sell their Whitefriars vase. I think they will.
0:13:06 > 0:13:11'Terrence brought in his mother's powder compact.
0:13:11 > 0:13:16'It's time to let the collectors have a chance at owning it.
0:13:16 > 0:13:21'These watches have been sitting unloved in Peter and Susan's drawer.
0:13:21 > 0:13:24'It's an opportunity to move them on.'
0:13:27 > 0:13:29£40 down here. Anyone else...?
0:13:29 > 0:13:34'It's always a good sign to see plenty of browsers at the auction.'
0:13:34 > 0:13:40We're at Bigwood Auctioneers and Valuers in Stratford-upon-Avon.
0:13:40 > 0:13:45Don't go away. I think somebody's going home with a lot of money.
0:13:45 > 0:13:49'There's a buzz as the sale approaches.
0:13:49 > 0:13:54'We have two auctioneers today selling our lots, Stephen Kaye
0:13:54 > 0:13:57'and Christopher Ironmonger.
0:13:57 > 0:14:03'We're kicking off with Stephen Kaye selling Wendy and Penny's lot.'
0:14:03 > 0:14:07We've got a bit of Geoffrey Baxter. Guess what I'm going on about.
0:14:07 > 0:14:11A bit of 20th-century modern, glass, Geoffrey Baxter designer.
0:14:11 > 0:14:17You've got it! A bit of Whitefriars bought in a fair for 10p, 20p?
0:14:17 > 0:14:20- Charity shop for 75 pence.- 75 pence!
0:14:20 > 0:14:22It's a big outlay.
0:14:22 > 0:14:26Hopefully, with Anita's valuation we'll get £50, £60.
0:14:26 > 0:14:29- Have you got any cats?- No.
0:14:29 > 0:14:33My mum thinks that I should get a wee cat
0:14:33 > 0:14:38so there will be somebody there to talk to when I come home from work.
0:14:38 > 0:14:40LAUGHTER
0:14:40 > 0:14:44- Mothers know best. - She thinks I need a bit of company.
0:14:44 > 0:14:49I'm sure you're not... There's so much male company you've got!
0:14:49 > 0:14:53- You're auditioning for your fourth husband.- That's right.
0:14:53 > 0:14:59AUCTIONEER: The Geoffrey Baxter Whitefriars Sunburst vase.
0:14:59 > 0:15:05I have a bid and I can start at £60. Anybody give me another five?
0:15:06 > 0:15:09I'm on the book at 60 and I'm going to sell it.
0:15:09 > 0:15:1365 at the back with the lady and I'm out. Anybody give me 70?
0:15:13 > 0:15:1670. And five, madam?
0:15:16 > 0:15:2070 with the gentleman. Was there a five down here?
0:15:22 > 0:15:2570 with that gentleman at the back. All done?
0:15:25 > 0:15:30£70! Geoffrey Baxter never lets us down.
0:15:30 > 0:15:35Sold to that chap over there. That's a fair bit towards cat food.
0:15:35 > 0:15:42- Brilliant.- Good luck and keep up the brilliant work, cos there's too many stray cats and dogs.
0:15:42 > 0:15:46'Anita has hit the nail on the head with her estimate,
0:15:46 > 0:15:49'which is good news for the cats.
0:15:49 > 0:15:54'Next, we have something that belonged to Terrence's mother.'
0:15:54 > 0:15:56This is mint condition.
0:15:56 > 0:16:01£30 to £50 is absolutely nothing for something from the 1930s.
0:16:01 > 0:16:07- I know it caught your eye, Thomas. - I am a lover of that Deco period.
0:16:07 > 0:16:12We need a few ladies in to put their hands up and buy this one now.
0:16:13 > 0:16:15The mid-20th century
0:16:15 > 0:16:21card box and contents of the Innoxa powder and compact.
0:16:21 > 0:16:24£20 for this lot? Interesting little collectable.
0:16:24 > 0:16:26£20?
0:16:26 > 0:16:3115, then? 15 I'm bid. 20. 25. 30, is it?
0:16:31 > 0:16:3425 with the lady here. 30 if you want to carry on.
0:16:34 > 0:16:39I'm going to sell it, make no mistake. £25 it's going to be sold.
0:16:39 > 0:16:43Are we all done and finished at 25...?
0:16:43 > 0:16:49- Yes. It's gone. We got it away at just under £30, at £25.- Yeah.
0:16:49 > 0:16:52- Relieved.- Yes. It was a really nice thing.
0:16:52 > 0:16:58- It went to a lady.- It did. I noticed. Yes. A lady of taste!
0:16:58 > 0:17:04'It did as expected and I'm sure the new owner will enjoy it.
0:17:05 > 0:17:09'Now for Susan and Peter's pocket watches.
0:17:09 > 0:17:12'Stephen Kaye is selling them as two lots.'
0:17:12 > 0:17:18Time is up for Peter and Susan. We've got the fob watches going under the hammer. Great to see you.
0:17:18 > 0:17:23These watches, the second of the lots, the gold one.
0:17:23 > 0:17:28Beautifully presented, £300 to £500. But I like the other two.
0:17:28 > 0:17:32Nice clean watches and we've got a silver Albert.
0:17:32 > 0:17:35I might have been a wee bit conservative.
0:17:35 > 0:17:39- I think you were. Just a little bit.- I hope you were.
0:17:40 > 0:17:43We'll have words afterwards.
0:17:43 > 0:17:47Right, let's find out what the bidders think. It's down to them.
0:17:50 > 0:17:52Two nice pocket watches.
0:17:52 > 0:17:54An American Elgin one and another.
0:17:54 > 0:18:00Would somebody like to start me at £40? 40 I have in the middle.
0:18:00 > 0:18:03I'll take five. And 50. And five.
0:18:03 > 0:18:06And 60. And five. 60 with the stripes.
0:18:06 > 0:18:10And five. And 70. And five. 80. Five. 90.
0:18:10 > 0:18:12Five. 100? And ten?
0:18:12 > 0:18:16£100 in the stripes. Anyone else? 110. 120? 130?
0:18:16 > 0:18:19140?
0:18:19 > 0:18:22130 with you, sir. Anybody else?
0:18:22 > 0:18:24All done at 130?
0:18:25 > 0:18:29That's more like it! £130!
0:18:29 > 0:18:34Here's the second lot. We're looking at £300 to £500 for the gold watch.
0:18:36 > 0:18:42Another 18-carat gold pocket watch. Very nice thing. I've got some bids.
0:18:42 > 0:18:47- I can start here at £300... - Yes!- Straight in.
0:18:47 > 0:18:51..360. 380. 400. And 20. 440. 460. 480?
0:18:51 > 0:18:54500. And 20? 540.
0:18:54 > 0:18:56560?
0:18:56 > 0:19:00All right. I'll go 560. Anybody give me 580?
0:19:00 > 0:19:02570.
0:19:02 > 0:19:06I'll go 575. Make it 580? I'm out. Anybody else?
0:19:06 > 0:19:11At £580 with this gentleman here. Anyone else?
0:19:11 > 0:19:15What a great result! Well over the top end.
0:19:15 > 0:19:19- That is a grand total of £710.- Wow.
0:19:19 > 0:19:21Somebody tells me
0:19:21 > 0:19:24- that's going towards a trip. - Australia.
0:19:24 > 0:19:28- Have you been there before? - Yes, we've been three times.
0:19:28 > 0:19:34- So we're going again.- You're going again. Enjoy. That's one air ticket!
0:19:34 > 0:19:39'That'll help pay for those flights. Good results all round.
0:19:41 > 0:19:48'I'm off to find out about some major changes in the heart of Stratford-upon-Avon.'
0:19:58 > 0:20:00This is Stratford-upon-Avon.
0:20:00 > 0:20:05I'm outside the house that William Shakespeare was born in, in 1564.
0:20:05 > 0:20:09People from all over the world come here, almost on a pilgrimage.
0:20:09 > 0:20:11You can understand why.
0:20:11 > 0:20:16Shakespeare's possibly the most famous playwright in the world.
0:20:16 > 0:20:22'But Stratford offers more to those interested in the works of Shakespeare.
0:20:22 > 0:20:26'You can see the work performed by an organisation
0:20:26 > 0:20:29'that has a unique and world class approach -
0:20:29 > 0:20:32'the Royal Shakespeare Company.
0:20:33 > 0:20:37'Working here is almost a rite of passage for British actors.
0:20:37 > 0:20:41'Everyone from Sir Laurence Olivier to Dame Judi Dench
0:20:41 > 0:20:43'has learned their craft here.'
0:20:47 > 0:20:50Over the past few years there's been a transformation.
0:20:50 > 0:20:55Michael Boyd took over as the Artistic Director in 2003,
0:20:55 > 0:20:58and work began on the Royal Shakespeare Theatre.
0:20:58 > 0:21:03The idea is for it to be the best modern playhouse in the world.
0:21:03 > 0:21:07The thrust stage projects into the auditorium which seats 1,000 people.
0:21:07 > 0:21:13It brings the audience closer to the actors and is going to be fabulously exciting.
0:21:13 > 0:21:17It's nearly finished and a new chapter is soon to begin.
0:21:18 > 0:21:23This takes the company back to some of its founding principles.
0:21:23 > 0:21:27In 1875, local brewer Charles Flower launched a campaign
0:21:27 > 0:21:31to build a theatre in the town of Shakespeare's birth.
0:21:31 > 0:21:35His donation was the two-acre site the theatre sits on today.
0:21:35 > 0:21:38His idea was an ensemble company,
0:21:38 > 0:21:42where actors felt secure in their jobs
0:21:42 > 0:21:45and received thorough instructions.
0:21:48 > 0:21:53Behind here are the doors to the new theatre which, for the first time,
0:21:53 > 0:21:55will open outwards towards the town.
0:21:55 > 0:22:03That's not by accident. A lot of design has gone into both the inside and the outside.
0:22:03 > 0:22:09Unfortunately, we can't get in there today because the building work is still going on.
0:22:14 > 0:22:20All this doesn't mean that the Royal Shakespeare company has stopped performing.
0:22:20 > 0:22:26This is the Courtyard Theatre, their temporary theatre until their new one opens.
0:22:26 > 0:22:29I'm here to meet Struan Leslie, Head of Movement,
0:22:29 > 0:22:34a post created to exploit the full potential of the thrust stage.
0:22:43 > 0:22:48What are you working on and are there any new challenges for you?
0:22:48 > 0:22:53Right now, we're working on the Morte D'Arthur, not Shakespeare.
0:22:53 > 0:22:58It's the King Arthur stories so that, in itself, is a challenge.
0:23:02 > 0:23:06'One of the sections of the piece is the end of Merlin.
0:23:06 > 0:23:09'He's trying to seduce the Lady of the Lake.'
0:23:09 > 0:23:11Yay, devil!
0:23:11 > 0:23:15Ye would draw me into the circle and have my maidenhood.
0:23:15 > 0:23:18Come, lady.
0:23:20 > 0:23:24'He gets caught... She traps him under a stone.'
0:23:24 > 0:23:28So we had to set up how he did that, him drawing her in,
0:23:28 > 0:23:32'the idea of there being a spell between them.'
0:23:32 > 0:23:34Head up. Open it out.
0:23:34 > 0:23:36'They wind round each other.'
0:23:36 > 0:23:42And then pull out from each other and she, again, knocks him over
0:23:42 > 0:23:46'without actually hitting him, but it gets that feeling.
0:23:46 > 0:23:49- 'So there's energy. - Energy but no actual blow.
0:23:49 > 0:23:51'It is hard to do.'
0:23:51 > 0:23:54My powers are at their height.
0:23:54 > 0:23:58Yours are overthrown!
0:23:59 > 0:24:04'A lot of the actors maybe would not have worked on a thrust stage.'
0:24:04 > 0:24:11The thrust stage is rare. There's more theatres in the round in the UK than there are thrusts.
0:24:11 > 0:24:14When we go back into the Royal Shakespeare Theatre,
0:24:14 > 0:24:17it'll be one of the largest in the world.
0:24:17 > 0:24:21The stage is about ten and a half metres deep.
0:24:21 > 0:24:26The audience are kind of wrapped round you in a horseshoe.
0:24:26 > 0:24:32- Great for them and the actor. - Yeah. It feels like you get in at all the angles.
0:24:32 > 0:24:37- Debs, can we try it so you don't come so far in?- Yeah.
0:24:37 > 0:24:40It's just so we get the distance.
0:24:40 > 0:24:45- Then we get the rock, but also more of the auditorium.- Yeah.
0:24:45 > 0:24:50Then open up your back so you've got awareness of that whole bit.
0:24:50 > 0:24:52OK.
0:24:52 > 0:24:56Beneath this rock are concealed great wonders.
0:24:56 > 0:24:59Yay, devil!
0:24:59 > 0:25:03You would draw me into the circle and have my maidenhood!
0:25:03 > 0:25:06'They have to be more mobile.'
0:25:06 > 0:25:10- So it's really exciting because... - A real challenge.- A real challenge.
0:25:10 > 0:25:14- There's no escaping the audience. - Absolutely not!
0:25:14 > 0:25:17That is truth...
0:25:17 > 0:25:22'The audience will be, maximum, 15 metres from the stage.'
0:25:22 > 0:25:30In the old theatre, the furthest seat, which I sat in as an 18-year-old in 1982,
0:25:30 > 0:25:32was 27 metres from the stage.
0:25:32 > 0:25:36It's almost half the distance, so it's really immediate.
0:25:36 > 0:25:39What difference will the new theatre make?
0:25:39 > 0:25:42It's not just in terms of performance.
0:25:42 > 0:25:46It's also our relationship to the outside world in Stratford
0:25:46 > 0:25:49and wider than that.
0:25:49 > 0:25:52The way the building in 1932 was a landmark,
0:25:52 > 0:25:55we're making a new landmark.
0:25:55 > 0:25:59Technically, it allows us to do stuff that we've not been able to.
0:25:59 > 0:26:01There's a seven-metre pit under the stage.
0:26:01 > 0:26:05Imagine a four-metre tall tree coming up.
0:26:05 > 0:26:07- Very nice!- Magically.
0:26:07 > 0:26:11And then flying away into the heavens above the stage.
0:26:11 > 0:26:17So Juliet's balcony could be at the top of a tower coming up out of the stage!
0:26:17 > 0:26:24- This will be the best theatre in the world.- We're not blowing our trumpet too much but hopefully.
0:26:24 > 0:26:26Farewell, Merlin.
0:26:26 > 0:26:31Thou shall never crawl out from under this stone,
0:26:31 > 0:26:35for all the witchcraft ye can do.
0:26:35 > 0:26:38SHRIEKS
0:26:38 > 0:26:40No!
0:26:40 > 0:26:42Blackout. Go.
0:26:54 > 0:27:00'Our experts are working through the crowds at Warwick Castle.
0:27:01 > 0:27:04'Thomas, who specialises in toys,
0:27:04 > 0:27:09'has found Sue, who shares his enthusiasm for cars.'
0:27:09 > 0:27:14- Sue, what a fantastic collection of Dinky cars. Were they yours?- Yes.
0:27:14 > 0:27:18I had a lot more than that when I was a child.
0:27:18 > 0:27:24- I collected quite a few over the years.- I want to explore this.
0:27:24 > 0:27:29- As a young girl, did you save your pocket money to buy the cars?- Yes.
0:27:29 > 0:27:34- One a week?- Certainly, it was one at a time, I can't remember exactly.
0:27:34 > 0:27:37Probably some were presents as well.
0:27:37 > 0:27:40I had an older brother who collected them
0:27:40 > 0:27:44and one follows what one's older brother does.
0:27:44 > 0:27:46That got me interested.
0:27:46 > 0:27:50You were... Do you mind me saying, were you more of a tomgirl?
0:27:50 > 0:27:55I don't think really, but I certainly wasn't a dolls child, no.
0:27:55 > 0:28:00- What happened to the rest? - I gave some away many years ago.
0:28:00 > 0:28:06I've still got some. Things like a fire engine, ambulance.
0:28:06 > 0:28:09Why have you brought this selection today?
0:28:09 > 0:28:11I just wanted to cut down a bit
0:28:11 > 0:28:15and I picked out the ones I least wanted to keep.
0:28:15 > 0:28:19- You were buying these as a girl just after the war.- Yes.
0:28:19 > 0:28:24- So, '46 onwards.- Probably, yes. - I think the Lagonda's beautiful.
0:28:24 > 0:28:28- Everybody likes the Lagonda. - It's wonderful, isn't it?
0:28:28 > 0:28:33You've got the black solid base. The tyres look in good order.
0:28:33 > 0:28:35There's a little bending
0:28:35 > 0:28:38to one of the axles, which will affect value.
0:28:38 > 0:28:42It's in remarkably good condition. You haven't repainted it?
0:28:42 > 0:28:46- No.- There is a slight bit of paint chipping.
0:28:46 > 0:28:50But you forgive that for something which is 60 years old.
0:28:50 > 0:28:54What's remarkable is the Cellophane window is still there.
0:28:54 > 0:28:57Normally, this is missing.
0:28:57 > 0:29:01These were toys which were meant to be played with.
0:29:01 > 0:29:03You were a good girl!
0:29:03 > 0:29:07- I think I probably was. Yes. - None of my toys are like this!
0:29:07 > 0:29:12Right, valuation. What are we going to put on this as a collection?
0:29:12 > 0:29:17- They're all post-war. Pre-war Dinkys a lot more desirable.- Yes.
0:29:17 > 0:29:20I would have thought we are looking at
0:29:20 > 0:29:23£30 for the Lagonda just on its own.
0:29:23 > 0:29:28These two here are going to be worth about £30 each.
0:29:28 > 0:29:31The transporter is quite rare. £30.
0:29:31 > 0:29:34And I would have thought this is 30 to 40.
0:29:34 > 0:29:42We're already at 150, so I would say an estimate for this lot is £150 to £250.
0:29:42 > 0:29:47- Right. Oh, that's very good. - How do you like that?- Sounds fine.
0:29:47 > 0:29:51I think selling it as a lot is a better idea.
0:29:51 > 0:29:54I can imagine a toy collector or a dealer buying this
0:29:54 > 0:29:57and moving it on to a collector.
0:29:57 > 0:30:00The reserve, I would say, 100 fixed.
0:30:00 > 0:30:04- That's very sensible.- Right. - How does that grab you?- Excellent.
0:30:04 > 0:30:09- You won't be sad?- No, not really. As I say, I still have others.
0:30:09 > 0:30:13- I've got a good feeling that they're going to do quite well.- Lovely.
0:30:13 > 0:30:16- We'll see you at the auction? - Yes. Thank you.
0:30:16 > 0:30:19'Sue sounds very happy with that.
0:30:19 > 0:30:24'Anita spotted an unusual colourful plate belonging to Marcus.'
0:30:24 > 0:30:28- Marcus, welcome to Flog It. - Thank you, Anita.
0:30:28 > 0:30:30I was drawn to this plate.
0:30:30 > 0:30:35The vibrancy of the colour is beautiful. It's singing out to me.
0:30:35 > 0:30:40- Where did you get it?- It's been in the family for quite a long while.
0:30:40 > 0:30:47It belonged to my wife's parents. We think it was a wedding present.
0:30:47 > 0:30:49Back in the '30s.
0:30:49 > 0:30:55- Do you have it on display, Marcus? - No. It's tucked away in a cupboard.
0:30:55 > 0:30:58It's not really valued at home.
0:30:58 > 0:31:02- Is it not your taste? Do you like it?- I like it.
0:31:02 > 0:31:05It doesn't do too much for me, really.
0:31:05 > 0:31:08- It doesn't turn you on?- No. ANITA LAUGHS
0:31:08 > 0:31:12Well, I love these singing blues. I love the pinks.
0:31:12 > 0:31:16I love the purples and I love the subject.
0:31:16 > 0:31:23We have an exotic bird and a background of flowers and leaves.
0:31:23 > 0:31:28If we turn it round and look at it, there is no back stamp.
0:31:28 > 0:31:31No. We don't know who it is.
0:31:31 > 0:31:36- We don't know which factory it came from.- There are some initials.
0:31:36 > 0:31:38Somewhere.
0:31:38 > 0:31:40There.
0:31:40 > 0:31:43I found this interesting.
0:31:43 > 0:31:48- In my opinion, it's from a Staffordshire factory.- Yes.
0:31:48 > 0:31:56But we have this name here and I believe it's Francis Dean.
0:31:56 > 0:31:58I think it's from the 1930s.
0:31:58 > 0:32:02It's faintly reminiscent of Moorcroft.
0:32:02 > 0:32:08I think that it's not tube lining, the plate was moulded
0:32:08 > 0:32:10and then hand-painted.
0:32:10 > 0:32:14This was a technique that was often used by the French
0:32:14 > 0:32:17and the French factories.
0:32:17 > 0:32:19There were many Frenchmen working
0:32:19 > 0:32:23in the English, and in particular Staffordshire, factories.
0:32:23 > 0:32:26Late 19th early 20th century.
0:32:26 > 0:32:31- I think it's absolutely lovely. - Is it a rarish item, Anita?
0:32:31 > 0:32:36- It's not, Marcus, a "fine" item.- No.
0:32:36 > 0:32:40It's not a fine item. It's a studio piece.
0:32:40 > 0:32:45- For me, the attraction lies in the colour.- Yes.
0:32:45 > 0:32:49And the subject and the signature.
0:32:49 > 0:32:55I would like to put it to auction with a conservative estimate.
0:32:55 > 0:33:01I think that probably 30 to 50
0:33:01 > 0:33:04- is the right estimate for it.- Right.
0:33:04 > 0:33:09- I don't think that it will go higher than the top estimate.- I see.
0:33:09 > 0:33:14- Shall we put a reserve price on it to protect it?- I think so.
0:33:14 > 0:33:17- The lower figure, £30?- £30?- Yes.
0:33:17 > 0:33:20- With a wee bit of discretion. - Why not?
0:33:20 > 0:33:25If we get two people there who need it, it could go a bit higher?
0:33:25 > 0:33:29That's the excitement of the auction, Marcus.
0:33:29 > 0:33:35- We never know...- No.- ..what the outcome is until the hammer falls.
0:33:35 > 0:33:41I'm looking forward to the auction. I've never been so it's exciting.
0:33:41 > 0:33:45- We will stand there and hold hands! - Wonderful!
0:33:45 > 0:33:50And I hope there will be a big smile on your face when the hammer falls.
0:33:50 > 0:33:52You never know, do you?
0:33:53 > 0:34:00'I'm glad we have the opportunity to introduce Marcus to the auctions.
0:34:00 > 0:34:02'My choice next.
0:34:02 > 0:34:06'Sue's brought in a lovely painting of an enigmatic lady.'
0:34:06 > 0:34:10It's beautiful. Do you know much about her?
0:34:10 > 0:34:18All I know is that she's reputed to be a lady of the court of Louis XIV.
0:34:18 > 0:34:23It belonged to my mother-in-law, who inherited it from her aunt.
0:34:23 > 0:34:29- You've had this on the wall, it's so beautiful?- Yes.- What a frame!
0:34:29 > 0:34:34For me, it's in the style of Angelica Kauffmann, a Swiss artist.
0:34:34 > 0:34:40She was born in 1741 and died around 1806 or 1807.
0:34:40 > 0:34:44- She was accepted by the newly formed Royal Academy.- Wow.
0:34:44 > 0:34:47Her father was an artist.
0:34:47 > 0:34:49He took her to all the museums.
0:34:49 > 0:34:54- She was colouring-in his backgrounds on his works when she was six.- Wow.
0:34:54 > 0:34:56She was a child prodigy.
0:34:56 > 0:35:03A well-respected artist. I say "in the manner of" cos it's not signed.
0:35:03 > 0:35:07I did attempt to cut open the back and then I stopped,
0:35:07 > 0:35:11in case you didn't want to sell it!
0:35:11 > 0:35:14You can see that the frame was made in Paris.
0:35:14 > 0:35:18This is a 19th-century frame on an 18th-century pastel.
0:35:18 > 0:35:22It's not contemporary with the picture.
0:35:22 > 0:35:27This may have been cut down or it may have been in an oval form.
0:35:27 > 0:35:30I'm pretty sure the size was this all along.
0:35:30 > 0:35:33There would have been a his and a hers.
0:35:33 > 0:35:38- Along the line...- They've got parted.- So there's a mystery.
0:35:38 > 0:35:42I'm pleased we've got this half, the female half.
0:35:42 > 0:35:46- Women...- I understood, because she didn't have much jewellery,
0:35:46 > 0:35:51it was one of the lower ladies of the court, not the higher echelons.
0:35:51 > 0:35:57- She must be quite pretty.- You can be important and not wear jewellery.
0:35:57 > 0:36:02You've got no jewellery on and I'm sure you're quite important.
0:36:02 > 0:36:08- I've a feeling the frame is worth half the value.- It is beautiful.
0:36:08 > 0:36:12I don't know anything more, just the frame is quite pretty.
0:36:12 > 0:36:16Now, I'd like to say this is worth
0:36:16 > 0:36:20around £400 to £600, I don't know what you feel.
0:36:20 > 0:36:26- I... Yes. That was the sort of figure I was expecting.- Yeah?
0:36:26 > 0:36:31- Let's do it, then. £400 to £600 with a fixed reserve at £400?- OK, then.
0:36:31 > 0:36:34Thank you so much for bringing this in.
0:36:34 > 0:36:39'What a treat to find something so special.
0:36:39 > 0:36:44'Let's have another look at our items before we head off to auction.
0:36:44 > 0:36:48'Thomas really enjoyed looking at Sue's toy collection.
0:36:48 > 0:36:52'I imagine that the bidders will also be very keen.
0:36:52 > 0:36:58'Let's hope Marcus's coloured plate attracts the attention it deserves.
0:36:58 > 0:37:02'And this 18th-century pastel in its 19th-century frame
0:37:02 > 0:37:04'is quite simply delicious.
0:37:04 > 0:37:07'What more can I say?
0:37:12 > 0:37:16'Stephen Kaye is putting our first item under the hammer.'
0:37:19 > 0:37:24So far, so good, and something to put you in the mood is Marcus.
0:37:24 > 0:37:27- He is a swing band drummer. - Hello, Paul.
0:37:27 > 0:37:30- You're still playing?- Absolutely.
0:37:30 > 0:37:34Good luck with the wall plate. It's been in the family a long time.
0:37:34 > 0:37:38- Not a lot of money, though. £30? £50?- But it's very pretty.
0:37:38 > 0:37:40There is a monogram.
0:37:40 > 0:37:44We couldn't recognise it. I was hoping the auctioneer might.
0:37:44 > 0:37:48- If not, someone out there. - It's a "come and buy me".
0:37:48 > 0:37:52- We might get a surprise. - That's what auctions are all about.
0:37:52 > 0:37:57It could end in a drum roll from Marcus. Here we go.
0:37:59 > 0:38:03AUCTIONEER: This Staffordshire wall plate.
0:38:03 > 0:38:08£20? Thank you, madam. Anybody going to give me 22?
0:38:08 > 0:38:12- I've got 22. 25...? - We want more than £22.
0:38:12 > 0:38:1530. And two? Yes, at the back there.
0:38:15 > 0:38:1835, madam?
0:38:18 > 0:38:2432 with the young lady standing. Anybody else? All done at £32?
0:38:25 > 0:38:29- Hm. £32.- It's within estimate.- Yes.
0:38:29 > 0:38:35- It's gone.- That's true. They've got a bargain.- That's a few drumsticks!
0:38:35 > 0:38:41I wish Marcus could have done better on his first trip to the saleroom.
0:38:42 > 0:38:45'Before the sale of the charming pastel,
0:38:45 > 0:38:51'I met Christopher Ironmonger to see what the auction house makes of it.'
0:38:51 > 0:38:55I was curious to find out whether or not it had been signed
0:38:55 > 0:39:00on the back or just out of sight on the frame.
0:39:00 > 0:39:04We didn't really want to trust taking the pins out.
0:39:04 > 0:39:12Once you start pulling things out of frames, they look as though they've been messed around with.
0:39:12 > 0:39:15It can arouse suspicions that are totally unfounded.
0:39:15 > 0:39:19- Frankly...- Best left alone. - It's best left alone.
0:39:19 > 0:39:24We think it's got a presence. It's got grace and composition.
0:39:24 > 0:39:29The vendor decided they wanted to up the reserve a little bit.
0:39:29 > 0:39:35- We've got it in at 500. - Mid-estimate.- We're comfortable. It's not a great change.
0:39:35 > 0:39:39- Fingers crossed it does more than the top end.- We're optimistic.
0:39:39 > 0:39:43We've had enquiries from the right sort of people.
0:39:43 > 0:39:48- That's what we like. Lots of interest.- We'll see on the day.
0:39:49 > 0:39:54'It's up next. Sue has upped the lower estimate and reserve to £500.
0:39:54 > 0:39:57'Let's see how it does.'
0:39:57 > 0:40:01- I think this is the nicest thing in the saleroom.- Good.- I really do.
0:40:01 > 0:40:05- If it doesn't do well, it's going home.- Back on the wall.
0:40:05 > 0:40:08Here it is. It's going under the hammer.
0:40:11 > 0:40:13It's a head and shoulders,
0:40:13 > 0:40:17lady purportedly from the court of Louis XIV.
0:40:17 > 0:40:21I've got a lot of interest and I've got 450 on the book.
0:40:21 > 0:40:25450 on the book here. 450. 450. 500, is it?
0:40:25 > 0:40:31On the book here at 450 and you'll miss it. At 450.
0:40:31 > 0:40:34Do you want to bid on the phone? 500.
0:40:34 > 0:40:36500 and I'm clear.
0:40:36 > 0:40:38At 500 on the phone.
0:40:38 > 0:40:42Is it 50 now in the room? At 500 on that telephone.
0:40:42 > 0:40:45£500. At 500. 50, surely?
0:40:45 > 0:40:48At £500...
0:40:49 > 0:40:54- He's sold it.- She's not coming home. - It went to a lady on the phone.- Yes.
0:40:54 > 0:40:58- You're a bit sad now, aren't you? - Well, I am a little bit.
0:40:58 > 0:41:02- But it's nice that it fetched 500. - That's auctions for you.
0:41:02 > 0:41:09You're the proud owner one minute, then that hammer's gone down and you don't own it any more.
0:41:09 > 0:41:12- I really am pleased for you. - Thank you.
0:41:12 > 0:41:16'You know, I wouldn't have minded owning that myself.
0:41:16 > 0:41:20'Now for Sue's brilliant collection of toy cars.
0:41:20 > 0:41:24'She has slightly raised the reserve to £130.'
0:41:24 > 0:41:29- I love the racing cars. Were they your favourite?- No. I like lorries.
0:41:29 > 0:41:34I've still got some, I'm afraid. An ambulance and fire engine.
0:41:34 > 0:41:39- Does Thomas know? He'll be round playing with them.- Don't be nasty.
0:41:39 > 0:41:43- I'm not that mercenary. - Cracking lot, though.
0:41:43 > 0:41:47The early ones fetch good money. You put £150 to £250 on these.
0:41:47 > 0:41:50Will we be in for a big surprise?
0:41:50 > 0:41:54- The toy collectors are here. - We might fall between 150, 250.
0:41:54 > 0:41:56We might get the upper end.
0:41:56 > 0:42:02- The collectors are definitely here. Good luck, Sue. - Thank you.- Wave goodbye.
0:42:03 > 0:42:08We've got a selection of Dinky Toys. An interesting lot.
0:42:08 > 0:42:12I can start straight off at £100. 110. 120, he says.
0:42:12 > 0:42:15130? 120 it is over there. 130. 140.
0:42:15 > 0:42:18150. 160. 170. 180.
0:42:18 > 0:42:20190? 190.
0:42:20 > 0:42:24200. 210. 220. 230. 240. 250.
0:42:24 > 0:42:28- 260. 270... - Now we're talking serious money!
0:42:28 > 0:42:31..I'll take 270.
0:42:31 > 0:42:33260... 270.
0:42:33 > 0:42:35280? 290...
0:42:35 > 0:42:37- 300, please! - ..300. 320?
0:42:37 > 0:42:40£300 at the front here.
0:42:40 > 0:42:43At 300. Are you sure you're all done? Last chance.
0:42:44 > 0:42:49- I'm ever so pleased.- How wonderful. - The hammer went down. £300.
0:42:49 > 0:42:54- You've got to be happy!- I am. It's going to charity.- Which one?
0:42:54 > 0:42:56- It's two.- Give them a plug.
0:42:56 > 0:43:00One is Restore, which is bringing churches together,
0:43:00 > 0:43:04a befriending service for refugees and asylum seekers.
0:43:04 > 0:43:09- The other one is Pax Christi, a Catholic peace movement.- Well done.
0:43:09 > 0:43:12- So I'm very chuffed. - Every penny helps.
0:43:18 > 0:43:25It's all over for our owners but I have had a fabulous day in Stratford-upon-Avon.
0:43:25 > 0:43:29Our owners have gone home happy, all credit to our experts.
0:43:29 > 0:43:32It's not an exact science valuing antiques.
0:43:32 > 0:43:38If you've got anything you want to sell, we want to see you. From Bigwood's, goodbye.
0:43:57 > 0:43:59Subtitles by Red Bee Media Ltd