Deputy Head Of Wardrobe in Whitehall

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.
• Awareness of current Health & Safety legislation.
• Knowledge of UK Theatre, SOLT/Equity and BECTU agreements.
• Candidates should have 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.