At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Head of Wardrobe in maintaining costumes and ensuring high production standards.
- Company: Join Kenny Wax Ltd, a leading production company in the West End.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, employee assistance programmes, and training opportunities.
- Other info: Fixed-term contract with opportunities for growth in a dynamic theatre setting.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting production and work with talented teams in a vibrant environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in wardrobe, excellent sewing skills, and strong communication abilities.
The predicted salary is between 46800 - 52000 £ per year.
Responsibilities
- To uphold the high production standards set by the Costume Designer and maintain the artistic quality of the original design, as directed by the Head of Wardrobe.
- To support the Head of Wardrobe to clean and launder all costumes in the manner and frequency required to maintain the appearance of the costumes, including co-ordinating dry cleaning.
- To take a show dressing plot, undertaking costume changes during the performance as required.
- To fit and alter costumes as needed during the run of the production, including understudies.
- To carry out running repairs on costumes as required.
- To support the Head of Wardrobe in the performance of their duties and deputise for them when necessary.
- To assist with fittings and the preparation of costumes during the rehearsal period, in conjunction with the Costume Designer, Costume Supervisor and Head of Wardrobe.
- To work with the Head of Wardrobe to ensure that costumes are available as required for rehearsals during the production period, including understudy rehearsals.
- To follow up on all notes made by the team regarding costumes in your care, checking for accuracy and maintaining the master costume bible.
- To support press and promotional activity.
- To work collaboratively with all other departments, including the theatre technical team, to ensure the smooth running of the production.
- To support the Head of Wardrobe in maintaining the department COSHH record, Health and Safety and good housekeeping procedure.
- To ensure that the wardrobe room and all costumes in dressing rooms are kept in a clean and tidy manner.
- Any other reasonable duty that would normally fall within the remit of a Deputy Head of Wardrobe based on industry norms and practice.
Qualifications
- Demonstrable professional experience working in Wardrobe on a production of a similar scale.
- The role requires someone with excellent sewing skills, strong communication and organisational skills, the ability to keep calm under pressure and a positive, flexible and proactive attitude.
- Demonstrable professional experience working in a similar role in the West End or on tour.
- Previous experience of working on a West End production.
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with excellent attention to detail.
- A proactive and flexible attitude.
- Previous experience of working as part of a team.
- Excellent sewing skills and working knowledge of theatre costume.
- Respectful approach and consideration of others, bearing in mind the potentially sensitive nature of wardrobe and costume work.
- Experience of wardrobe maintenance and dressing actors on productions of similar scale and type.
- The ability to work closely with actors and creative teams, and handle confidential information with discretion.
- The ability to work under pressure and effectively prioritise.
- Aware of current Health & Safety legislation.
- Knowledge of UK Theatre, SOLT/Equity and BECTU agreements.
- Proven experience supporting the running of a wardrobe department.
Company & Position
Kenny Wax Ltd is one of the leading Production Companies operating in the West End and on Tour. We are looking for experienced, collaborative and proactive candidates to join our team in London for The Comedy About Spies at the Adelphi Theatre.
Candidates must have the right to live and work in the UK.
£1000 per week for performances (£900 per week for rehearsals)
Contract: Fixed Term SOLT/BECTU Contract
Contract Dates: 6 July - 28 September 2026 (exact dates TBC). Rehearsals 6 July - 26 July 2026. Tech 24 - 30 July 2026.
Show Schedule: Performances are 6 days per week, typically Tuesday - Sunday. The performance schedule during previews varies and shall be confirmed at point of contract.
Holiday: As per the SOLT/BECTU Agreement
Location: Adelphi Theatre, Strand, London WC2R 0NS
Employee Assistance Programme: First Aid Training if needed, Wellbeing and Resilience programmes, access to physiotherapy, local discounts.
Deputy Head Of Wardrobe in England employer: KENNY WAX LTD
Kenny Wax Ltd is an exceptional employer in the heart of London's West End, offering a vibrant and collaborative work environment for those passionate about theatre production. With a commitment to employee wellbeing through programmes like the Employee Assistance Programme and access to physiotherapy, we prioritise the health and growth of our team members. Join us at the Adelphi Theatre, where you can thrive in your career while contributing to high-quality productions like The Comedy About Spies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head Of Wardrobe in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the theatre industry, attend events, and join relevant groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your best work in wardrobe management and costume design. This will give potential employers a taste of what you can bring to the table, especially when applying through our website.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a production you love, don’t wait for them to post a job. Reach out directly to the Head of Wardrobe or the production team. A friendly email expressing your interest can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and the specific production. Know their style and past works, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. We want to see your passion shine through!
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head Of Wardrobe in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your professional experience in wardrobe, especially if you've worked on similar productions. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Deputy Head of Wardrobe!
Tailor Your Application:Just like fitting a costume, tailor your application to match the job description. Use keywords from the posting to show us you understand what we're looking for and how you fit into our team.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate attention to detail, so make sure your writing is polished and free of errors. This reflects your communication skills!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of applications and ensures you’re considered for the role!
How to prepare for a job interview at KENNY WAX LTD
✨Know Your Costumes
Familiarise yourself with the specific costumes and designs from the production. Be ready to discuss how you would maintain their quality and appearance, as well as any past experiences you've had with similar garments.
✨Show Off Your Sewing Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your sewing abilities during the interview. Bring along examples of your work or be ready to talk about specific alterations or repairs you've successfully completed in previous roles.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts on how you would collaborate with the Head of Wardrobe and other departments to ensure smooth operations during performances and rehearsals.
✨Stay Calm Under Pressure
Think of scenarios where you had to manage multiple tasks at once, especially during a live performance. Be prepared to share how you handled those situations while maintaining a positive attitude and ensuring everything ran smoothly.