At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Head of Wardrobe in maintaining costumes and ensuring smooth production runs.
- Company: Join Kenny Wax Ltd, a leading Production Company in the West End.
- Benefits: Earn £1000 per week for performances, plus access to wellbeing programmes.
- Other info: Fixed-term contract from July to September 2026 at the Adelphi Theatre.
- Why this job: Be part of an exciting production and showcase your sewing skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in wardrobe roles, excellent sewing skills, and strong communication abilities.
The predicted salary is between 46800 - 52000 £ per year.
We are looking for applicants with 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. Candidates should have proven experience supporting the running of a wardrobe department.
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.
Dates and 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.
Person Specification
- 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.
DEPUTY HEAD OF WARDROBE in London employer: Mischiefcomedy
Kenny Wax Ltd is a premier production company in the heart of London's West End, offering a vibrant and collaborative work environment for those passionate about theatre. As a Deputy Head of Wardrobe, you will benefit from competitive pay, access to employee wellbeing programmes, and opportunities for professional growth within a supportive team dedicated to maintaining high artistic standards. Join us at the Adelphi Theatre and be part of an exciting production that values creativity, teamwork, and excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land DEPUTY HEAD OF WARDROBE in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the theatre industry, attend events, and join relevant groups. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Bring a portfolio of your previous work to interviews or even create a mini showcase online. We want to see your sewing skills and how you’ve contributed to past productions—make it pop!
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive during the interview! Ask questions about the production and show your enthusiasm for the role. We love candidates who are genuinely interested and ready to jump in and collaborate with the team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for passionate individuals who fit the bill for our productions.
We think you need these skills to ace DEPUTY HEAD OF WARDROBE in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience:Make sure to highlight your professional experience in wardrobe, especially on productions similar to ours. We want to see how your skills align with what we need for The Comedy About Spies!
Sewing Skills Matter:Don’t forget to mention your sewing skills! We’re looking for someone who can handle alterations and repairs, so share any relevant examples that showcase your expertise.
Communication is Key:Strong communication skills are a must! In your application, give us a glimpse of how you’ve effectively collaborated with teams in the past. We love a proactive attitude!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Mischiefcomedy
✨Show Off Your Sewing Skills
Make sure to bring along examples of your sewing work or any alterations you've done in the past. This is a hands-on role, so demonstrating your skills can really set you apart from other candidates.
✨Know the Production Inside Out
Familiarise yourself with 'The Comedy About Spies' and its costume requirements. Being able to discuss specific costumes and how you would maintain their quality will show your genuine interest and preparedness for the role.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Since strong communication skills are key, practice articulating your thoughts on wardrobe management and teamwork. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in high-pressure situations.
✨Stay Calm Under Pressure
Prepare for potential scenario questions about handling stressful situations. Think of times when you had to manage tight deadlines or unexpected costume issues, and be ready to explain how you kept things running smoothly.
