How much does a costume & wardrobe assistant earn?

Indicatively £12.50–£15.00 per hour. That is an observed market range rather than an offer — actual pay depends on the employer, your experience, shift pattern and whether you are PAYE or self-employed.

What do I need to work as a costume & wardrobe assistant?

Training or ticket needed. No specific card or licence is normally required. Sewing and garment repair skills; theatre or costume experience is a strong advantage.

When would this role be hired on the Universal Bedford build?

Across 2 phases, from pre-opening recruitment & training (roughly 2030) through to operations (roughly 2041). These windows are the usual sequence for a project of this size, not Universal's published programme.

Is this role likely to be filled locally?

Very likely local. Universal has pledged around 80 per cent local hiring across Bedfordshire and Milton Keynes, but that average hides real variation — roles like this one are overwhelmingly recruited locally.

Ride operations & entertainment

Costume & wardrobe assistant

Maintaining and fitting thousands of costumes.

Indicative pay: £12.50–£15.00
Paid: per hour
Entry level: Training or ticket needed
Hiring volume: Small numbers

Pay is an indicative market range, not an offer. We hold no vacancies for this role.

What the job involves

Issuing, fitting, repairing and laundering performer costumes and character suits, and managing wardrobe stock.

How to get into it

Sewing and garment repair skills; theatre or costume experience is a strong advantage.

When this role is needed

Indicative windows based on the typical sequence for a project of this size. Not Universal’s published programme.

Pre-opening recruitment & training
Roughly 2030–2031
The pivot point. Hiring shifts almost entirely away from construction toward hospitality, retail, guest services and entertainment — and this is where the local hiring pledge has the most room to deliver.
Operations
Roughly 2031–2041
Overwhelmingly hospitality, retail, ride operations, entertainment, facilities and corporate roles. Ongoing maintenance keeps a permanent core of electricians, mechanical fitters and building services engineers on site.

Other ride operations & entertainment roles

Ride operator

No experience needed

Ride operations & entertainment

£12.50–£14.50 per hour

Safety-critical, customer-facing, and the signature theme park job.

High volumeVery likely local

Ride technician

Experience needed

Ride operations & entertainment

£34,000–£50,000 per year

Daily inspection and maintenance of ride systems.

Steady need

Performer / entertainer

Training or ticket needed

Ride operations & entertainment

£13.00–£18.00 per hour

Character work, street entertainment and stage shows.

Steady need

Show technician (lighting, sound, AV)

Experience needed

Ride operations & entertainment

£28,000–£42,000 per year

The technical craft behind shows and themed attractions.

Steady need