WHAM Wardrobe Assistant: Wig & Makeup Support in Manchester

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

De-Rig: 27th December – 30th December

Interviews: Interviews will be held at Capesthorne Hall, you will be able to select your preferred time & day when invited to interview. 14th July 2026

Reports to:

Role Overview: The WHAM Assistant plays a critical role in ensuring continuity, maintaining standards, and supporting the smooth daily operational flow within the principles and FC departments. In this position, the WHAM Assistants support the daily WHAM operation, consistent delivery of department-wide quality. The WHAM Assistant is expected to uphold the highest standards of practice across the department, ensuring that all health and safety procedures, WHAM protocols, and performance-ready standards are consistently met. Strong communication skills and a calm, professional presence during high-pressure and busy periods are essential.

WHAM & Wardrobe Structure: The WHAM room sits within the wardrobe structure closest to our principal department. The Department is made up of three sub-departments, each with a dedicated team assigned for the duration of the run:

• The principals department supports 50 performers daily.
• The WHAM team are responsible for ensuring all actors apply their make-up correctly in accordance with the design and face chart they are given for that character, offer support with hair prep, apply all wigs and facial hair to the highest standard, apply hats and ensure these are pinned in correctly and will withstand 12 hours on set.
• Father Christmas Dedicated exclusively to our most iconic role, this department supports 50 Father Christmas performers throughout the day.
• Groups Working with ensemble and crowd performers, Groups is a high-energy, fast-paced environment.

Show & Shift Information: The show runs daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, with a new audience beginning their journey every 30 minutes. Each audience experiences approximately 1.5 hours of scripted performance, followed by 1.5 hours of immersive free time in the Elven Village, before meeting Father Christmas. WHAM shifts are split as follows:

• AM Shift: 6:00 am – 3:00 pm
• PM Shift: 2:45 pm – 11:45 pm

The show operates 7 days a week. Wardrobe schedules follow a 5 days on / 2 days off rota, with no guaranteed weekend days off.

The Team & Opportunity: This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a large, passionate team within a fun, fast-paced environment. Per site, we are recruiting 10 WHAM Assistants. We are deeply committed to developing and nurturing our teams. Our goal is to build a department that encourages growth, progression, and return year after year — creating a strong, experienced WHAM team that continues to deliver exceptional standards and unforgettable shows.

Key Responsibilities:

• To apply Wigs, facial hair and hats to actors securely.
• To assist actors with their make-up looks if needed and ensure make-up is kept clean and hygienic between shows.
• To ensure wigs and facial hair are dressed to the highest standard and styles are kept in line with the designs in the wig bible.
• To understand the different types of hair each wig is made of and how to care for it correctly.
• To develop an exceptional knowledge of the wigs and the wig standards.
• To maintain existing systems used for the smooth running of every shift/show.
• To complete all set up and closing duties necessary for the department to run seamlessly.
• To follow cast lists in order to set the correct wigs for each day of shows.
• To keep the WHAM room clean and tidy.
• To have a good knowledge of health and safety protocols.
• To work closely alongside the WHAM Manager on duty to ensure full support to the cast and the rest of the team.
• To effectively communicate running and handover notes to WHAM Manager and WHAM team.
• To respond quickly and efficiently to any one set WHAM Calls.
• To attend training days specified by the WHAM Manager.
• To maintain a supportive and positive WHAM environment with the cast and team.
• To represent the company and comply with company policies.

Key Attributes:

• Excellent Teamwork and Communication
• Passion for the role and the company
• An ability to remain calm under pressure
• Proven experience in live theatre
• Knowledge of wig maintenance techniques
• Experience washing and caring for wigs

Life at LaplandUK: At LaplandUK, 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 LaplandUK 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: £15.85 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). 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.