Principal Performer 2026

Casting has nearly finished for our principal cast; if we are unable to progress your application for this, we might invite you to audition for another role! Please ensure you check your junk or spam folder after submitting your application, and mark our emails as safe to avoid missing any important updates. Overview LaplandUK is an immersive theatrical experience, mixing scripted shows and improvised interactions, inspired by the original stories written by Alison Battle and Mike Battle. At its heart lies a child’s fleeting belief in Father Christmas, Mother Christmas, and the magical Elven world they call home, a world brought vividly to life through richly woven storytelling and theatrical spectacle. Please see attached our Character Descriptions which provide further details. Putting families at the centre of the storyline, the 4/5 hour experience allows families to explore an ancient Elven civilisation through an enchanting world of storytelling that fuses the spectacle of a filmset with the performance of theatre. Location We now present two simultaneous productions, welcoming families to experience the magic in both the South and the North of England. Lapland London Location Whitmoor Forest, Swinley Road, Winkfield Row, Ascot, SL5 8BD Lapland Manchester Location Congleton Rd, Siddington, Macclesfield SK11 9JY Production Details Lapland London Dates: Lapland London Rehearsal, Tech & Dress Dates: Between Sept - Oct 2026 Lapland London Opening Day: 7th Nov 2026 Lapland London End of Contract: 24th Dec 2026 Lapland Manchester Dates: Lapland Manchester Rehearsal, Tech & Dress Dates: Between Sept – Oct 2026 Lapland Manchester Opening Day: 7th Nov 2026 Lapland Manchester End of Contract: 24th Dec 2026 Casting & Show Directors: Danny Dixon & Alex Fowler Lapland Producers: Alison Battle & Mike Battle Audition Details Regardless of whether you audition in London or Manchester, you will be considered for a Principal Role at either of our 2026 locations. London Audition Location: Pineapple Dance Studios, 7 Langley St, London WC2H 9JA London Audition Dates: 16th - 17th April 2026 20th - 24th April 2026 27th April – 1st May 2026 Manchester Audition Location: Royal Exchange Theatre, Saint Ann's Square, Manchester M2 7DH Manchester Audition Dates: 5th - 8th May 2025 11th - 15th May 2025 Requirements: Must be at least 18 years of age and have the right to work in the UK. We strongly encourage performers of all body types and appearances, abilities, disabilities, neurodiversity, ethnicities, ages, sexual orientations, gender identities, gender expressions, religions and socioeconomic backgrounds to audition. For Lapland London, you must be prepared to travel or relocate to Ascot or the surrounding area. For Lapland Manchester, you must be prepared to travel or relocate to Macclesfield or the surrounding area. You must be available for all Rehearsal, Tech, Dress and Live Show Dates, between September – December. Contract Details Contract Type : Paid Contract PAYE Principal Performer Hourly Pay : £20.00 + Monthly Subsidy Rehearsal Day Rate: £ 160 / Technical Rehearsal Day Rate: £ 180 / Minimum Live Show Day Rate: £240 Principal Performer Weekly Subsidy : £300 (Paid Monthly in Addition to Hourly Pay) The weekly subsidy is payable from the commencement of the contract and is paid each week for the duration of the contract. It is not conditional upon work being performed in any given week. All of the above fees will be treated as taxable income. Included, performers receive: 1 hour paid costume & preparation time at the start of the day 30 minutes paid costume, wig and makeup removal at the end of the day All breaks are fully paid One on-site meal provided per shift Unlimited Tea and Coffee throughout your shift 20% discount in Lapland retail shops on selected dates Working Structure & Performer Wellbeing Rehearsal days are 8 hours, including a 1 hour lunch break. Technical rehearsals and dress runs are 9 hours, including a 1 hour lunch break. While the live show day spans 12-12.5 hours, active performance time is carefully structured to prioritise wellbeing and performance consistency. Principal Performers live show schedule should run on 3 days on, 3 days off. The live show day operates on a consistent 1 hour on / 1 hour off rotation for Scripted Characters (2 shows on, 2 shows off). Roaming Characters follow a similar rotation, creating a balanced rhythm that allows for meaningful recovery time between performance blocks. This ensures substantial paid downtime throughout the day. The Immersive Format The journey begins with a 90-minute scripted performance, narrative-driven immersive theatrical experience. While incorporating elements of improvisation and full interaction with the audience, performers are expected to honour the material and adhere to scripted elements consistently. Performances Our experience operates with 21 tours departing consistently throughout the day, requiring Actors with significant stamina to maintain performance quality while ensuring each show remains both consistent and engaging for our guests. Principal roles also demand flexibility to balance repetition with a fresh, natural delivery. As a result, full working days are expected rather than just evening performances, which is why we follow a 3 day-on, 3 day-off schedule. Actors will deliver approximately 12 performances a day. Duties Given the multisensory nature of our show, Actors may be required to undertake duties that are not typically requested of them. These tasks are integral to the guest journey, enabling us to maintain authenticity and immersion in the experience. Additionally, the show boasts a high production value, as part of their daily duty, Actors are expected to respect and work with the West End Professionals in our Wardrobe and WHAM teams to ensure their costumes and wigs are taken care of to the highest standard to help preserve the integrity of our world. Most roles in the experience entail fulfilling various technical functions to ensure the smooth operation of the production. This involves triggering cues, resetting props and small set pieces, and adhering to show times diligently. Performers will enact their scenes numerous times throughout the day, it is important all follow the script thoroughly, while also injecting If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at