Father Christmas - Manchester
Father Christmas - Manchester

Father Christmas - Manchester

Ascot Full-Time No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Become Father Christmas, spreading joy and engaging with families during a magical experience.
  • Company: Join LaplandUK, renowned for creating immersive Christmas experiences that delight families.
  • Benefits: Enjoy free meals, transport, unlimited drinks, and staff discounts on select dates.
  • Why this job: Be part of a world-class production, creating cherished memories for children and families.
  • Qualifications: No prior acting experience needed; full training provided to embody the spirit of Father Christmas.
  • Other info: Auditions in Manchester; must be 18+ and available from October to December 2025.

LaplandUK is based on two Original Stories Written by Mike & Alison Battle: 'The Untold Story of Father Christmas' & 'The Secrets of the Christmas Elves'. LaplandUK is an immersive, theatrical experience that brings to life a child's fleeting belief in Father Christmas. With a world-class creative team, stunning set designs, and a strong narrative-driven performance, LaplandUK delivers a magical and unforgettable experience for families each Christmas season.

In the depths of the snowy forest, amidst the shimmering glow of the night sky, there dwells a mystical and hardworking gentleman known as Father Christmas. Softly spoken and refined, Father Christmas carries himself with grace and elegance, yet beneath his dignified exterior lies a heart that beats with the joy and wonder of childhood. He is the original toymaker of Lapland, devoted to crafting gifts that bring smiles to children across the world.

As Father Christmas, you will embody this kind-hearted and welcoming figure, spreading joy and wonder to every family who steps through the doors of Lapland. Your responsibilities will include:

  • Greeting families in a warm and welcoming manner
  • Listening to children's Christmas wishes and engaging with them meaningfully
  • Posing for photos with families to capture cherished memories
  • Handing out gifts, ensuring that every child feels special
  • Maintaining the authenticity and magic of Father Christmas in every interaction

Time Management: Given the scale of our production, Father Christmas must strictly follow the designated timings for each family visit to ensure a smooth and seamless experience for all guests.

Costume & Wigs: Father Christmas must work with our Wardrobe and WHAM teams to uphold the highest costume and wig standards, preserving the world's authenticity.

While previous acting or immersive theatre experience is beneficial, it’s not required to apply; full training will be provided to ensure you embody the grace, warmth, and timeless spirit of Father Christmas.

LaplandUK is known for creating a high-quality, authentic experience that transports visitors to the North Pole. Performers work with West End standard set designs, costumes, and production values to ensure families feel truly immersed in the magic.

New for 2025, we are expanding to Lapland Manchester! We take great pride in delivering a world-class experience, making LaplandUK and Lapland Manchester a magical destination for families every Christmas.

Benefits:

  • Free hot meal per shift
  • Free transport from the local train station
  • Unlimited tea & coffee
  • Staff discount on selected dates

Key Dates:

  • Lapland London Location: Whitmoor Forest, Swinley Road, Winkfield Row, Ascot, SL5 8BD
  • Dress Rehearsal: 4th & 5th November 2025
  • Preview: 6th November 2025
  • Opening Day: 8th November 2025
  • End of Contract: 24th December 2025
  • Lapland Manchester Location: Congleton Rd, Siddington, Macclesfield SK11 9JY
  • Dress Rehearsal: 7th & 8th November 2025
  • Preview: 9th November 2025
  • Opening Day: 13th November 2025
  • End of Contract: 24th December 2025

We ask for full availability between October - December 2025.

The experience operates with 21 tours per day, requiring performers to maintain stamina and consistency while ensuring each interaction remains fresh and engaging. Father Christmas is at the heart of the experience, delivering personal and magical encounters to families throughout their visit. Due to the high demanding nature of this role, working days are split into AM and PM shifts rather than just evening performances.

Duties:

  • Stay in character at all times, honoring the scripted elements while incorporating natural improvisation.
  • Work closely with our West End Professional Wardrobe and WHAM teams to maintain costume and wig standards.
  • Respect and adhere to show timing, resetting props, and triggering cues as required.
  • Deliver multiple performances per day while maintaining a high standard of energy and authenticity.

Regardless of whether you audition in London or Manchester, you will be considered for a Role at either of our 2025 locations.

Audition Information:

Manchester Auditions TBC. Once you have booked an audition slot, you will be sent pre-audition material to prepare.

Requirements:

  • Must be at least 18 years old and have the right to work in the UK.
  • Lapland London performers must be prepared to travel or relocate to Ascot or the surrounding area.
  • Lapland Manchester performers must be prepared to travel or relocate to Macclesfield or the surrounding area.

Payment & Schedule:

  • Father Christmas Performer Hourly Pay: Β£20.50 for live show dates. Β£15.00 for training days.
  • Principal Performer Daily Subsidy: Β£50 working day subsidy (Paid Monthly in arrears)
  • Day Length: Approximately 9 hours.
  • Live Show Schedule: 3 Working Shifts required per Calendar week
  • Live Show Day Length: 8 hours
  • Substantial breaks offered and paid during Live Show Dates
  • Various worker benefits are available onsite, including one free meal per working shift.

This is a rare and exciting opportunity to step into the iconic role of Father Christmas and create unforgettable memories for families this festive season. If you have a warm heart, kind spirit, and a twinkle in your eye, we would love to see you at auditions!

Father Christmas - Manchester employer: Avature

LaplandUK is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to embody the beloved character of Father Christmas in a magical setting. With a strong focus on employee well-being, staff enjoy benefits such as free meals, transport, and discounts, all while working in a vibrant, creative environment that fosters personal growth and memorable experiences for families. Join us in Manchester this festive season and be part of a world-class team dedicated to spreading joy and wonder.
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Contact Detail:

Avature Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🀫

We think this is how you could land Father Christmas - Manchester

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with the character of Father Christmas by reading the original stories by Mike & Alison Battle. Understanding the essence of the character will help you embody him more authentically during auditions.

✨Tip Number 2

Practice your improvisation skills! Since you'll be interacting with children and families, being able to think on your feet and respond warmly to their wishes will make your performance stand out.

✨Tip Number 3

Get comfortable with time management techniques. As Father Christmas, you'll need to stick to a strict schedule during performances, so practising how to manage your time effectively will be crucial.

✨Tip Number 4

Engage in some physical preparation. The role requires stamina for multiple performances throughout the day, so consider doing some light exercise or vocal warm-ups to keep your energy levels high.

We think you need these skills to ace Father Christmas - Manchester

Warm and Welcoming Demeanour
Strong Communication Skills
Ability to Engage with Children
Improv Skills
Time Management
Stamina and Consistency
Attention to Detail
Teamwork
Adaptability
Performance Skills
Costume Maintenance Awareness
Positive Attitude
Creativity
Ability to Follow Direction

Some tips for your application 🫑

Understand the Role: Before applying, take time to fully understand what it means to be Father Christmas. Read the job description carefully and think about how your personality and experiences align with the character's warm and kind-hearted nature.

Craft a Personal Statement: Write a personal statement that reflects your passion for the role. Share any relevant experiences, even if they are not directly related to acting, that demonstrate your ability to engage with children and create magical moments.

Highlight Relevant Skills: In your CV, emphasise skills that are relevant to the role, such as communication, time management, and any experience in performance or customer service. Even if you lack formal acting experience, showcase your ability to connect with people.

Prepare for Auditions: Once you apply, prepare for the audition by practising how you would embody Father Christmas. Think about how you can convey warmth and joy through your interactions, and be ready to demonstrate this during the audition process.

How to prepare for a job interview at Avature

✨Embrace the Character

As Father Christmas, it's crucial to embody the character fully. Practice your warm greetings and soft-spoken mannerisms before the interview. Show that you can bring the joy and wonder of childhood to life in every interaction.

✨Engage with Enthusiasm

During the interview, demonstrate your ability to engage meaningfully with children and families. Share examples of how you've connected with others in the past, whether through storytelling or simply listening to their wishes.

✨Showcase Your Stamina

Given the demanding nature of the role, highlight any experiences that showcase your stamina and ability to maintain energy throughout long shifts. Discuss how you manage time effectively to ensure a smooth experience for guests.

✨Prepare for Improvisation

The role requires staying in character while incorporating natural improvisation. Be ready to discuss how you would handle unexpected situations or questions from children during your performance as Father Christmas.

Father Christmas - Manchester
Avature
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