Head of Wardrobe – Starter For Ten

We are looking for an experienced Head of Wardrobe for Starter for Ten, a new musical based on the novel by David Nicholls and the HBO Playtone film, produced by Antic Productions, Bristol Old Vic, Longshot Films and Playtone.

Adapted from the hilarious novel by bestselling author David Nicholls and the popular 2006 film, Starter for Ten is a coming-of-age comedy musical about love, belonging and the all-important difference between knowledge and wisdom. Featuring an irresistible original soundtrack inspired by the riotous student scene of the ’80s, it was nominated for Best Musical Production at the UK Theatre Awards 2024.

The production opens at Bristol Old Vic before transferring to Birmingham Rep.

Dates: Monday 1^st SeptemberTuesday 4^th November 2025. 

• Rehearsals in Bristol – w/c 1^st
• Press Night (Bristol) – Wednesday 17^th
• Final Bristol Performance – Saturday 11^th
• Holiday week – 13^th– 19^th
• Birmingham First Performance w/c 20^th
• Final Birmingham Performance – Saturday 1^st

Location: Rehearsals/Technical rehearsals in Bristol. Performances in Bristol & Birmingham.

Contract: Full time, fixed term, Equity Subsidised Theatre Agreement (MRSL 1).

Salary: £700 per week (inclusive of any additional payments). Travel, subsistence & touring allowance will be paid for the Birmingham dates.

Duties: The duties and responsibilities of the Head of Wardrobe will include those usually expected of a professional at a regional producing theatre, including but not limited to:

• Responsible for all aspects of the planning, supervision, and maintenance of all costumes in the show for performances at Bristol Old Vic and Birmingham Rep.
• Manage, supervise, and schedule the dressers.
• To update and supervise the dressing plots undertaken by the Wardrobe staff.
• Acquiring a familiarity with all plots/tracks within your department so that you can provide absence cover for other members of your department as required.
• To ensure all paperwork is thorough and up to date and oversee local dressers learning the dressing plots.
• Work collaboratively with other departments, particularly the Wigs, Hair and Makeup department, to ensure the smooth running of the show.
• To ensure all costumes are cleaned and ready for each performance.
• To coordinate the supply of all equipment and consumables required to run the show within budget as approved by the Company/General Manager. Keeping the petty cash documentation up to date.
• To keep the Wardrobe bible up to date including photo references for each cast change.
• Attend rehearsals, technical, dress and costume understudy rehearsals as required.
• Deal with emergency repairs to costumes.
• To ensure that work materials and all costumes are kept in a tidy and secured manner.
• To ensure all costumes are packed appropriately to ensure safe transport between Bristol Old Vic and Birmingham Rep and packed for the return at the end of the run.
• Work closely with the Costume Supervisor during the tech to create maintenance and laundry plans and to facilitate a smooth handover from the rehearsal process to the finished show.

Essential Qualities:

• Minimum 3+ years in the role of Head of Wardrobe at a similar professional scale.
• Previous musical experience. 

Desirable Qualities:

• Touring experience. 

Personal attributes: Proven experiences as a Head of Wardrobe. A team player with the ability to work with others and independently. An excellent communicator. The ability to work calmly under pressure. Exemplary time management. Working with attention to detail. A positive attitude. A passion for regional theatre. 

To apply: Please send a CV and brief covering letter to Jobs@bristololdvic.org.uk by Monday 11^th August at 10am.

11/08/2025

Backstage & Technical, Production