At a Glance
- Tasks: Support daily operations by applying wigs and makeup to performers in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join the magical team at Lapland UK, creating unforgettable experiences.
- Benefits: Earn £15.85 per hour, plus travel subsidies and on-site meals.
- Other info: Flexible shifts with opportunities for growth in a vibrant team.
- Why this job: Be part of an enchanting experience while honing your skills in live theatre.
- Qualifications: Experience in live theatre and wig maintenance is a plus.
The predicted salary is between 31500 - 42000 £ per year.
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:
- Principals department – supports 50 performers daily, ensuring all actors apply makeup correctly, offer support with hair prep, apply wigs and facial hair to the highest standard, and manage hats for a 12‑hour performance schedule.
- Father Christmas – supports 50 Father Christmas performers throughout the day, maintaining facial hair and makeup presentation, and providing training to the FC wardrobe assistants.
- Groups – works with ensemble and crowd performers; over 200 elves are dressed across 15 different costume designs, requiring excellent organisation, consistency, quality control, and rapid turnaround.
Show & Shift Information
The show runs daily from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm, with a new audience beginning every 30 minutes. Each audience experiences ~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 – AM: 6:00 am – 3:00 pm; PM: 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.
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 (synthetic, human hair, textured hair) 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.
- Ability to remain calm under pressure.
- Proven experience in live theatre.
- Knowledge of wig maintenance techniques.
- Experience washing and caring for wigs.
Location & Dates
Lapland UK Live Site, Manchester: Capesthorne Hall, Macclesfield SK1 19JY
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
Interview location: Capesthorne Hall (interviews will be held at this venue).
Pay Rate & Contract
Pay Rate: £15.85 per hour, plus £50 per working day subsidy.
Contract basis: PAYE or Self‑Employed.
Benefits
- One on‑site meal per working shift.
- Lapland Shuttle bus from local train station to site.
- On‑site parking for staff (Manchester).
- Holiday paid in full at end of contract calculated at 12.07% of total hours worked.
- £50 subsidy per working day to help with travel costs.
Employment Eligibility
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.
Equal Opportunity Statement
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.
WHAM Assistant - Manchester employer: LaplandUK
Lapland UK is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant and supportive work culture at our Manchester location. With competitive pay rates, daily meal provisions, and a travel subsidy, we prioritise employee well-being while fostering growth through hands-on experience in live theatre. Join us for a unique opportunity to be part of a magical experience, where teamwork and passion are celebrated in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land WHAM Assistant - Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company and its culture before your interview. Check out their website and social media to see what they're all about. This will help you connect with the team and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their world.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills! Since strong communication is key for the WHAM Assistant role, try role-playing common interview questions with a friend. This will help you stay calm and articulate your thoughts clearly during the actual interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your passion for theatre and the role! Share any relevant experiences or projects you've worked on that relate to wig maintenance or live performances. This will demonstrate your commitment and enthusiasm for the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows that you’re tech-savvy and know how to navigate the digital world, which is a bonus in today’s job market.
We think you need these skills to ace WHAM Assistant - Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for the role shine through! We want to see that you’re genuinely excited about being a WHAM Assistant and how you can contribute to our team.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your relevant experience and skills. Mention any previous work in live theatre or wig maintenance techniques that align with what we’re looking for.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your sentences are easy to read and get straight to the important stuff!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at LaplandUK
✨Know Your Wigs
Familiarise yourself with different types of wigs and their maintenance. Be ready to discuss how you would care for synthetic, human hair, and textured wigs. This shows your passion and knowledge about the role.
✨Stay Calm Under Pressure
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed high-pressure situations. The interviewers will want to see that you can maintain a professional presence during busy periods.
✨Teamwork is Key
Highlight your teamwork skills by sharing stories of how you've collaborated effectively in previous roles. Emphasise your ability to communicate clearly and support your colleagues, especially in a live theatre environment.
✨Understand Health and Safety Protocols
Brush up on health and safety procedures relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure compliance with these protocols while maintaining the highest standards of practice.
