Head to our Costume Store and dress up your holidays with an outfit straight from the RSC stage

If you’re heading into the festive period with parties on the horizon and without clue what to wear, why not consider hiring an outfit from the RSC Costume Store?

Not only is it an environmentally-friendly way to get yourself a brand new outfit for a special event, you can also take your pick from over 60,000 pieces of RSC stage history, and wear an outfit with a real story behind it. 

But where to start? We asked our incredibly knowledgeable Costume Hire Team to pick out a few choice pieces for Christmas, to give you a little glimpse into the costume possibilities for any event…

Costume Hire marketing photos_ 2024_2024_Photo by Sara Beaumont _c_ RSC_376548

FANCY DRESS

If you've been invited to a fancy dress party, why would you go for a nasty nylon knock-off when you can take your pick from a plethora of hand-made theatrical wonders created by our incredibly skilled Costume Team?

From animals and mythical creatures, to futuristic and sci-fi costumes, military wear and armour from Ancient Rome to modern times, we have character costumes spanning almost every period and style you could imagine. We're particularly proud of our traditional Mr and Mrs Claus and Victorian carol singer costumes (pictured), which are the ultimate festive addition to any party.

Plus, if you’re attending a murder mystery dinner with a theme, or you're looking for the perfect group costume (a legion of gladiators, perhaps?), there are multiple costumes for each era ready to kit out your entire party.

Top tip: Make sure you check out the tags on the outfits, as they will tell you which show the piece was from, and who wore it.

A Victorian carol singer's costume from our Costume Store
A woman and man are dressed in traditional red and white Mrs Claus and Santa Claus costumes hold hands in a dancing pose in front of a fireplace and Christmas tree

BLACK TIE

Are you attending a winter wedding, swooping off to a masked ball or need something showstopping for an awards ceremony? Whatever your black-tie event, there’s lashings of glitz and glamour to be found on the rails. From floor-length ball gowns to three-piece suits, we will deck you out in a look fit for the red carpet.

And, in case it’s your dream to walk down the aisle in a gown from A Midsummer Night’s Dream, we also have wedding dresses in store, as well as dresses and suits in every colour and style imaginable to kit out your bridal party.

Two mannequins in the RSC Costume Store wear, respectively, a black and gold blazer and a black floor-length dress with gold sequins

WORK PARTY

Did you know that we don’t only stock costumes and theatrical outfits? If you’re looking for something with a more modern aesthetic, you can also take your pick from our huge selection of designer outfits, vintage pieces and top high street brands perfect to bring a bit of razzle dazzle to your festive work party.

Plus, don't forget the all important accessories. There are hundreds of shoes, hats, bags and even costume jewellery pieces to make your look complete.

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HOW TO HIRE A COSTUME

To hire a costume, you’ll need to make an appointment to visit to our Costume Hire Store in Stratford-upon-Avon. Simply book your appointment by completing the Costume Hire Form below, or call on +44 (0)1789 272444.

You’ll be free to explore the racks by yourself, or you can ask our knowledgeable Costume Hire Assistants to help you pick out your ideal look.

The store is open Monday to Friday, 10am - 5pm at The Other Place (appointment only).

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