Acting the Part
ProHighlights
- Costumes from $40 with a refundable bond on top, most $50 to $65, single pieces from $11
- A walk-in shop trading since 1987, stocking over 500 wigs for hire or sale, with washing facilities on site
- Giant foil numbers, helium bouquets and air-filled centrepieces made in store, with helium included
About Acting the Part
Since 1987 Acting the Part has been kitting Sydney out in costumes from an upstairs shop on Mobbs Lane, Carlingford. It doesn't sell online, and that's on purpose: you come in, take things off the racks and try them on before deciding, which a costume in a post bag can't offer. There are thousands of items on the floor and a large share can't be found anywhere else, divided between costumes to hire and costumes to buy. Most hire costumes were made individually, so the collection runs to unusual sizes, lesser-known characters and retro pieces in good condition. Alongside them are more than 500 wigs for hire or sale, hats, masquerade masks, makeup, SFX and costume jewellery, plus single garments to mix into your own outfit. Shoes are never hired out, as there's no way to clean them properly. Balloons make up the rest of the business: giant foil numbers, helium bouquets, loose helium balloons, printed latex and bubble balloons, and air-filled pieces made up as gifts or table centrepieces, helium included in the price. Hire starts from $40, with a refundable bond on top, and most costumes cost $50 to $65, mascot suits $100 and single pieces from $11. Depending on the costume, the bond is between $60 and $200. A standard hire runs over a weekend, or for two or three days during the week. Costumes for the weekend can be picked up from Thursday and go back the next Tuesday, and longer hires cost extra at a discounted rate. Every price includes cleaning. You can book over the phone or in the shop, or just turn up and hire on the spot.
Inclusions & amenities
Service
Budget
Pricing
Every hire rate includes cleaning. The refundable bond is $60 to $200 depending on the costume, and is returned when the costume comes back on time and undamaged. Extended hires beyond the standard period are charged at a discounted extra rate, and groups hiring multiple costumes for a performance can ask about free rehearsal or bump-in time.
Balloons are priced separately, with helium bouquets from $27.10, or $29.90 with HiFloat long-life treatment, and the cost of the helium included.
Equipment & Service Details
A hire covers the costume plus its cleaning, and there are washing facilities on site so every item is cleaned each time it comes back. Accessories, wigs and single garments can be hired separately and combined with a costume or worn on their own; shoes are not hired.
Hire stock stays the property of the shop and cannot be bought or kept, regardless of the bond paid. The refundable bond of $60 to $200 is an incentive to return costumes promptly and in good order rather than a replacement cost, and late fees may be taken out of it.
Standard hire periods run over a weekend or two to three days midweek, with weekend costumes available from Thursday and due back the following Tuesday; longer hires can be arranged at a reduced extra rate. Balloon orders are made up in store, with helium included; balloons bought elsewhere cannot be filled, and helium tanks are not rented out.
Frequently asked questions
What is included when I hire a costume?
The costume plus its cleaning, which is part of the hire price rather than an extra charge later. Accessories and separate costume parts are priced on their own, and wigs can be hired too. Shoes aren't available to hire, because they can't be cleaned well enough.
How far ahead do I need to book?
No booking is needed. You can come in and take a costume the same day, provided you have ID showing your address. If you like to plan ahead, book in advance by phone or in the shop and collect the costume closer to the date.
How much does costume hire cost?
Hire starts from $40, with a refundable bond on top, and most costumes cost $50 to $65. Mascot costumes are $100, single clothing pieces start at $11, and bonds range from $60 to $200, depending on what you hire.
Where is the store and who travels there?
At 5-7 Mobbs Lane, Carlingford, up on the first floor, in Sydney's north west. People come in regularly from the inner city, the eastern suburbs, the northern beaches, the lower and upper north shore, Parramatta, the Hills District, greater western Sydney and the north-west.
How long is the hire period and when do I bring it back?
Usually a weekend, or two or three days during the week. Weekend hires can be collected from Thursday and are due back on the Tuesday after. Extra days cost more, but at a discounted rate, and a late return may see late fees taken from your deposit.
Areas we service
Suitable occasions
Shahnaz Adam
2 months ago
The lady was very welcoming and patience they have Quality and cheap stuff too. A good price range. U really recommend that place for school kids party or Halloween or any costume party 🥳🎉
Stephen Oehme
5 months ago
The team here help us to 'Act the Part' but they are the real deal. I met 3 of the team over my pick up and return visits. They were super helpful, full of ideas and options. They also let me drop the items back late wit…
Dan O'Neill
6 months ago
Had a great experience, better range than some of the bigger stores. Went in looking for a 1920s outfit, was presented with a great range of options and all reasonably priced. Will make this place my regular go to.
Adriana Pielak
7 months ago
Wonderful experience! We got the most amazing matador costume for a Spanish themed party. We looked at lots of costume hire places and Acting The Part was by far the best we had been to! Amazing quality of costumes, lots…
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