Christmas Elf Performer
Chelsea Physic Garden Closing date: Wed, 04 Nov 2026
- Part time
- Under £10K
Thu, 15 Oct 2026 "> published -
Job Summary
Job Description
Chelsea Physic Garden, London's oldest botanical garden, is recruiting three Christmas Elf Performers for our Father Christmas Storytelling event.
Families arrive in groups of up to 25 people. An elf welcomes and entertains them before leading them to the greenhouse grotto. Father Christmas reads a 20-minute story, followed by presents and photographs.
We're looking for performers who enjoy working with children, can think on their feet and keep a group entertained. You'll remain in character when meeting visitors and work with Father Christmas and Garden staff to keep sessions running smoothly.
The three elf roles cover:
- Welcoming families, entertaining waiting groups and leading them to the grotto.
- Supporting Father Christmas, handing out presents and helping with photographs.
- Meeting families around the Garden and guiding them to our Christmas workshop.
You may rotate between roles and will help prepare the grotto between groups.
Experience in theatre, storytelling, children's entertainment or similar audience-facing work is welcome. You should be reliable, work well with others and know when to give a quieter child time and space.
If you sing, dance or play an instrument, please do tell us, this is very much welcome! There is scope to use these skills when entertaining families, but they are not essential.
Some work takes place outdoors. Costumes are provided.
Dates: 4-6, 11-13 and 18-20 December 2026.
Hours: 9:15am-5pm, including an hour lunch break and tea breaks throughout the day.
Fee: £150 per day, inclusive of breaks, travel, expenses and VAT where applicable.
Total fee: £1350 for all nine dates.
This is a freelance role, payable against an invoice.
You must be available for all nine dates. Additional rehearsal or training time will be paid separately.
A DBS check is required. If you do not already hold a suitable check, Chelsea Physic Garden will arrange and cover the cost.
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.
Job Requirements
- Experience in acting, storytelling, children's entertainment or similar work with audiences.
- Enjoy working with children and feel confident talking to families and entertaining groups.
- Able to stay in character, improvise and respond to children's questions.
- Sensitive to different ages, access needs and levels of confidence.
- Reliable, punctual and able to work closely with fellow performers and Garden staff.
- Willing to work outdoors in December.
- Available for all nine event dates.
Singing, dancing or playing an instrument would be welcome, but are not essential. Previous experience as an elf is not required.
A suitable DBS check is required. Chelsea Physic Garden will arrange and cover the cost if needed.
Job Responsibilities
- Welcome families at the meeting point and entertain them while they wait.
- Lead groups of up to 25 visitors through the Garden to the grotto, keeping sessions on time.
- Stay in character when interacting with visitors, using conversation and improvisation to involve children.
- Support Father Christmas during storytelling sessions and help families settle in.
- Hand out presents and assist with family photographs.
- Engage families around the Garden and guide them to the Christmas workshop.
- Prepare and reset the grotto between sessions, keeping gifts and materials organised.
- Work with fellow performers and Garden staff, rotating duties as needed.
- Follow the Garden's safety and safeguarding procedures and report concerns promptly.
Useful Links
Job Overview
- Job Title: Christmas Elf Performer
- Salary: Under £10K
- Hours: Part time
- Artform: Theatre
- Role: Performer
- Contract: Contract
- Closing date: Wed, 04 Nov 2026
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Location:
London
How to Apply
Please send your CV and a short covering letter to [email protected] with “Christmas Elf Performer” in the subject line.
Tell us why you’re interested, about your relevant experience and any additional skills you would bring to the role, such as singing, dancing or playing an instrument. Please confirm your availability for all nine event dates.
Applications close at midnight on Wednesday 4 November 2026.
If you need any adjustments to the application or selection process, please let us know.
- Contact name: Alexander Gunter
- Contact email: [email protected]
About Chelsea Physic Garden
Established in 1673, by the Worshipful Society of Apothecaries of London, Chelsea Physic Garden is home to over 4,500 medicinal, edible and useful plants. Open Sunday – Friday, visitors can explore the historic glasshouses, discover the plant collection, or simply relax and enjoy the four-acres of green space in central London.