Senior Wardrobe Lead - Live Theatre (Seasonal) in Macclesfield

Founded in 2007 by Mike and Alison Battle, Lapland began with a simple but powerful purpose: to honour the wonder of childhood at Christmas. Frustrated by the poor quality of festive experiences available for their own four boys, the Battles set out to elevate this moment of childhood and reimagine the Father Christmas myth through original storytelling, meticulous set design, and emotionally resonant live theatre.

Their ground-breaking immersive show opened in 2007 and immediately captured the attention and hearts of parents nationwide. Powered by their purpose, the couple partnered with Hollywood set designers and West End performance professionals to produce an experience of unprecedented quality and detail. With an NPS of 72 (outperforming industry icons in the entertainment space), Lapland’s customer loyalty is second to none and has now welcomed nearly 2 million ‘believers,’ with tickets selling out on release for what the press now terms ‘the Glastonbury of Christmas’.

Today, the Lapland Group is a fast-growing purpose-driven entertainment business spanning the three pillars of Live, Product and Studios. In 2024, Lapland’s eCommerce revenues grew tenfold, driven by the launch of magical at-home products like personalised Letters from Lapland. These products extend the Lapland world into the home, deepening belief and connection beyond the physical experience. At the same time, our original story universe continues to scale through media. In 2023, Lapland launched its first podcast, Elfcast, which achieved No. 1 in the UK Family Charts and ranked in the global top 10 over Christmas. With plans to expand into audio and content year-round, our IP and characters are reaching audiences in new and emotionally resonant ways.

With immersive Live experiences, high-growth eCommerce, and a rapidly expanding original content, Lapland is on a mission to become the definitive global Christmas brand anchored in belief, storytelling, and the enduring magic of childhood.

Location: Lapland UK Live Site, Manchester: Capesthorne Hall, Macclesfield SK11 9JY

Start Date: 1st November 2026

Preview Day: 4th November 2026

Opening Day: 7th November 2026

End Date: 24th December 2026

With the potential to extend the contract into January to aid with De-rig where necessary.

Interviews: Interviews will be held at Capesthorne Hall, you will be able to select your preferred time & day when invited to interview on 14th & 15th July.

Reports to: Live Site Wardrobe Manager. Also managed day to day by the Wardrobe Deputies.

Role Overview: The Senior Wardrobe Assistant is an exciting new position within our Wardrobe team. Each sub-department will have two Senior Wardrobe Assistants. This role is designed for experienced Wardrobe Assistants who are ready to take the next step in their development. Senior Wardrobe Assistants will play a key part in maintaining high standards across the department by sharing their knowledge, guiding less-experienced colleagues, and helping to uphold efficient, consistent working practices.

Senior Wardrobe Assistants will act as role models within their teams, supporting daily operations while contributing to a positive, collaborative, and professional working environment. There are 3 sub-departments within wardrobe, with a dedicated team assigned to each for the duration of the run.

Our closest area to an ensemble or crowd, Groups operates as a high-energy, fast-paced environment. Each day we dress over 200 elves, allocated to 15 different costume designs, ensuring consistency, quality, and quick turnaround. The Principals team supports 50 performers each day, dressing them across 28 unique characters. This department requires precise continuity management and a highly organised dressing workflow to meet performance demands. Dedicated exclusively to our most iconic role, this department looks after 50 Father Christmas performers throughout the day, maintaining costume standards, grooming requirements, and smooth transitions from arrival to their Hut.

The show runs each day from 8 am to 6 pm, with a new audience starting their journey through the show every half an hour. The Show is comprised of roughly 1.5 hrs scripted performance as well as 1.5 hrs magical free time in the Elven Village before visiting Father Christmas himself. The Wardrobe Department Shifts are separated into AM 6 am – 3 pm and PM 2:45 pm – 11:45 pm. The Show runs 7 days a week, the wardrobe tracks will be 5 days on 2 days off with no promise of weekend days off.

This is an amazing opportunity to be part of a large team, in a fun and fast-paced environment. We are looking for 6 Senior Wardrobe Assistants and 14 Wardrobe Assistants per site to help deliver this year's shows and make it the most memorable yet. We are committed to supporting development and nurturing our teams. Our aim is to find team members that will want to return year upon year and be part of our exciting ever-growing department.

Key Responsibilities:

• To lead by example and support the Wardrobe Assistants in day-to-day tasks by sharing knowledge and advice.
• To set the tone and maintain an efficient working environment by taking leadership on time management and key tasks.
• To develop a good understanding of existing systems put in place by Wardrobe Deputies and Wardrobe Manager, to support the wardrobe assistants in actioning the systems.
• To dress performers precisely and compassionately.
• To identify and conduct the necessary maintenance in a timely manner to keep all costumes in good condition during the show dates. Making sure to keep a detailed log of any repairs and notify the Deputies or Manager of any concerns.
• To closely follow systems to ensure costumes are laundered, cleaned, and refreshed between shows.
• To develop an exceptional knowledge of the costumes and costume standards, to support the Wardrobe Manager and Deputies in delivering high standards across the show.
• To complete all set up and closing duties necessary for the department to run seamlessly.
• To follow cast lists to set the costumes for each day of shows.
• To maintain and develop existing systems used for the smooth running of every shift/show.
• To effectively communicate and participate in handover notes to Wardrobe Deputies and Wardrobe Assistants.
• To respond quickly and efficiently to any on-set Wardrobe Calls.
• To attend training days, specified by the Wardrobe Manager.
• To maintain a supportive and positive Wardrobe environment with the cast and team.
• To represent the company and comply with company policies.

Role Requirements:

• Excellent Teamwork and Communication
• Passion for the role and the company
• Proven experience in hand sewing and machine sewing
• Excellent Knowledge base of different materials.
• An ability to remain calm under pressure
• Proven experience in live theatre
• Knowledge of Costume maintenance techniques
• Experience Laundering Costumes
• Good Knowledge of Excel and Google Drive
• Passion for sharing Knowledge.
• 2-3 years' experience in the industry.

Life at Lapland UK: At Lapland UK, we believe in the magic of collaboration, a steadfast commitment to excellence, and a team that's always willing to roll up their sleeves and get involved. Working with us means being part of a dynamic environment where collaboration brings out the best in everyone, diverse talents converge, and innovation thrives. Our commitment to excellence ensures that every team member is dedicated to achieving the highest standards, contributing to a workplace culture that values continuous improvement and outstanding results.

We're not just looking for employees; we want people who are excited to get involved, embrace challenges, and bring a hands-on approach to their work, creating a workplace full of positivity and collective success. Overall, working at Lapland UK offers a chance to be part of something truly special, where the wonder of childhood is celebrated by a team dedicated to making memories for over 40,000 families each year.

Passion for the Mission: We are in service to belief. We understand the importance of what we do and its legacy.

One Company: We only succeed together. We are a positive and caring group of people who embrace developing Lapland and ourselves.

Driven to Deliver Excellence: Belief is in the detail. Powered by our purpose we challenge and innovate to exceed expectations in everything we do.

Pay Rate: £16.85 per hour, plus £50 per working day subsidy.

Your choice of contract basis - we can contract as PAYE or Self-Employed. One on-site meal per working shift. Lapland Shuttle bus from local train station to get to site. On-site parking for staff (Manchester only). Holiday paid in full at end of the contract calculated at 12.07% of total hours worked. £50 Subsidy per working day to help with travel costs.

Applicants must be authorised to work in the United Kingdom without the need for visa sponsorship. Lapland reserve the right to withdraw this advert at any time. Due to the high number of applications being received, we may not be able to respond to every applicant. Lapland is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace that seeks to recruit, develop and retain the most talented people from a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We therefore encourage applications from all genders, races, religions, ages and sexual orientations, as well as parents, veterans, people living with disabilities, and any other groups that could bring diverse perspectives to our business.