Logo for West Side Story

Principals

The Jets

Riff
Tony
A-Rab
Baby John
Big Deal
Diesel
Gee-Tar
Mouthpiece
Snowboy
Tiger
Anybodys

The Jets’ Girls

Graziella
Velma
Minnie
Clarice
Pauline

The Sharks

Bernardo
Chino
Pepe
Indio
Luis
Anxious
Nibbles
Juano
Toro
Moose

The Sharks’ Girls

Maria
Anita
Rosalia
Consuelo
Teresita
Francisca
Estella
Marguerita

The Adults

Doc
Schrank
Krupke
Glad Hand

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Wikipedia info

West Side Story Costume Hire

Full Show Costume Hire from Thespis

Our West Side Story costume hire collection brings the energy, movement and iconic style of this legendary musical to life, creating a bold and visually striking stage presence.

Inspired by the vibrant streets of 1950s New York, this full-show wardrobe package captures the contrast between the rival gangs, the cultural influences of the characters, and the unmistakable style of the era.

Designed for schools, theatre groups and large-scale productions, the collection delivers a cohesive and dynamic stage look that supports both choreography and storytelling.

Dance at the gym colourful scene from west side costumes

Dance at the gym colourful scene from west side costumes. costume hire west side story

Scene from West side story featuring officer krupke.

Stunning red Latino dress. Scene from West Side story, I want to be in America.

I feel pretty scene west side, period dresses.

Stunning coloured Latino style dress. Dance at the gym. West side story costume hire dance at the gym scene

West Side Story. Period 1950s costume hire.

Complete Package

This is a full-show costume hire, ensuring consistency and visual impact across principals and ensemble.

• Principal character costumes
• Jets and Sharks gang styling
• 1950s American streetwear and dance costumes
• Cultural and period-inspired wardrobe elements
• Footwear, accessories where appropriate, and a pink sparkly 6ft hairspray can if required

The collection has been designed to support movement and choreography, with clear visual distinction between groups while maintaining a unified stage aesthetic.

Synopsis

West Side Story is a powerful reimagining of Romeo and Juliet, set against the backdrop of gang rivalry in 1950s New York.

As tensions rise between the Jets and the Sharks, two young people from opposing sides — Tony and Maria — fall in love, setting in motion a tragic chain of events.

The musical explores themes of identity, belonging, prejudice and love, combining unforgettable music with high-energy choreography and emotional storytelling.

Key Characters

Tony – Romantic and idealistic, with clean, classic styling
Maria – Youthful, hopeful and elegant
Anita – Bold, confident and full of personality
Riff – Leader of the Jets, sharp and energetic
Bernardo – Leader of the Sharks, strong and commanding
The Jets & Sharks – Distinct groups defined through costume, colour and attitude

The ensemble is central to the production, driving both the choreography and the visual identity of the show.

Iconic Costume Moments

• Distinctive Jets vs Sharks styling and colour palettes
• High-energy dance sequences supported by movement-friendly costumes
• Bold 1950s silhouettes and streetwear
• Romantic contrast between Tony and Maria
• Ensemble-driven visual storytelling throughout

The costumes play a key role in defining character, conflict and atmosphere from the first scene to the final moments.

Designed for Performance

This collection has been created with performance in mind. Costumes are designed to allow freedom of movement for choreography, while maintaining a strong and recognisable visual identity.

The balance between style and practicality ensures your production looks sharp while supporting demanding staging and dance sequences.

Click on image to start gallery

Delivery & Collection – UK, Ireland & Europe

• Delivered on hangers in labelled garment bags
• Barcoded for easy identification
• Organised and ready to go straight onto your rails
• No unnecessary sorting required on arrival

Backstage Space Guide:
Allow approximately one 6ft rail per 25 costumes.

The Thespis Difference

• Full-show specialist for consistent stage presentation
• Strong emphasis on style, movement and visual impact
• High-quality costumes maintained to a professional standard
• Delivered organised and performance-ready

Thespis – The Whole Show Costume Hire Specialists.

Booking Information

• Standard hire period: 10 days
• Additional days available on a pro-rata basis
• 25% deposit secures your booking
• £500 refundable security deposit applies

We can also arrange international delivery and customs documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer full-show West Side Story costume hire?
Yes — we specialise in full-show costume hire to maintain a consistent and professional stage appearance.

Are the costumes suitable for dance?
Yes — the collection is designed to allow freedom of movement for choreography and high-energy performances.

Are the Jets and Sharks clearly defined?
Yes — the costumes use colour, style and detail to clearly distinguish between the two groups.

Is this suitable for school productions?
Yes — ideal for schools and theatre groups staging large ensemble productions.

How are the costumes delivered?
All costumes arrive on hangers, in labelled garment bags, barcoded and ready to go.

Other Shows You May Like

If you are planning West Side Story, you may also be interested in:

Hairspray Costume Hire
Phantom of the Opera Costume Hire
Sweeney Todd Costume Hire
Fiddler on the Roof Costume Hire

Booking & Enquiries

If you are planning a production of West Side Story, we would be delighted to help.

Please contact us with your production dates, venue and cast size for a tailored quote.

Enquire now

About us and what to expect from Thespis

Extra Gallery Thespis Costume Hire

What our customers are saying...

Sister Act one of the best. Testimonial

Thank you Margaret. Who knows, maybe one day our paths will cross again. I hope so as I do think your company is one of the best I've ever worked with and I've been doing wardrobe for over 20 years. Kind regards Jane

St Albans Musical Theatre Company

Lindley Players

Addams Family
Hi Margaret, Thank you so much for providing such awesome costumes. The costumes look stunning, Very impressed. I will definitely be using you for other projects in the future. Thank you again. Cheryl

Lindley Players

Addams Family Costumes Rattonians

"Excellent costumes" Very refreshing to have such a complete service and good quality costumes. Really made the show work. Thank you so much!

The Rattonians

Daisy Pulls it off

Dear Margaret.

Thank you so much for the costumes they are absolutely fabulous and I so appreciate all your hard work. We are delighted with them.

Best wishes

Charlotte E

Queens College Taunton

Sister Act costumes

Hi Margaret, Hope your Sunday delivery went well, and you have caught up with some sleep. We are all very sad that the show is over!! The costumes were amazing and definitely contributed to the overall success of the production.

Janice Lim

Phantom of the Opera costumes

Shine Youth Music Theatre Phantom of the Opera costumes "Highest quality" . Thespis is a very professional costumiers and our dealings with them have been very efficient. The costumes are of the highest quality, and beautifully made and well maintained. We w...

Shine Youth Music Theatre

The Addams Family Costumes We were extremely impressed

Hi Margaret,
"We went to Stoke on Trent last night to see your costumes at "The Addams Family and were extremely impressed!"

Bryan Craven LIDOS

Phantom of the Opera Coventry YOG

NODA Review
Review Author: Annette Nuttall This is one of a growing number of musicals that has been released for youth and school productions only. However there is nothing simple or small about putting on this show, it is a challen...

Coventry Youth Operetta Group YOG

Perins School’s production of Phantom of the Opera

Thank you so much. Here is a testimony for you website Perins School’s production of Phantom of the Opera was a huge hit. With the help of Thespis, our show was worthy of the West End stage! Every performance was awash with co...

Perins School

Wind in the Willows Magnificent Costumes

Dear Margaret

The Willows company are currently in that glorious moment of exhausted joy, in which the show is complete but the thrill of having achieved it keeps you on cloud 9! Everybody who has contacted post-show has spoken so highly of your marvellous cost

...

Sale Grammar School

Sound of Music Boyle Ireland

The show was a resounding success for the group, everybody was talking about the costumes, the Van Trapp kids were crying on Saturday night having to part with theirs ♥?

Boyle MTC

Beyond my expectations WW1 Uniforms

Coward or Hero Margaret, "Thank you so much for the fabulous job on the costumes....they really enhanced the show. Beyond my expectations. We have had our first performance and it was exceptionally well received" Play By Bill Snell.

Bill Snell

Macbeth

Dear Margaret,

The costumes were received yesterday and first glimpses are very exciting. We are about to do a costume parade this morning ahead of tech, and very excited to see everything in action.

Can I just say, we are extremely impressed a

...

Haileybury College

The Sound of Musical - Exeter Music Society

From Margaret's first response to my initial enquiry, I knew that we were in expert hands. As a newcomer to Wardrobe, I had a whole host of questions. Margaret seems to be on han

...

Exeter Musical Society

Spring Awakening

You really are a fantastic comp...

Emil Dale Acamemy

Betty Blue Eyes Best Production Winner NODA Awards

To Margaret, Thank you for supplying us with such fantastic costumes once again. We won the NODA President's award for "best production" and attention to detail was one of the reasons mentioned-so thank you for your help with that! We look forward to deal...

Ellesmere MTC

Sister Act NODA Review

Julie Petrucci NODA East CATS’ production of Sister Act The Maltings Ely The setting was used to good effect given it had to represent several different locations and the stage crew did a great job. With about seve...

CATS Sister Act NODA Review

Addams Family

Hi Margaret Thank you very much for the fabulous costumes you supplied for our production of the Addams family. Everyone was very pleased with their costume, especially with all the accessories and shoes that were supplied with them. We have never ha

...

Carol Wibberley

Fiddler on the Roof Newcastle WEOS

Hello Margaret

First, thank you to the company and the delivery driver for the endless hard work in our society's costumes. We had a lot of fun at our costume call this evening and it is starting to come together really nice.

Also th

...

Jess

Hunchback of Notre Dame Costumes

Hi Margaret,

I just wanted to say thank you so much for ‘busting a gut’ to create such a wonderful set of costumes.

Everyone is so impressed with them!

Many thanks

Claire J
Head of Wardrobe
<...

Colchester Operatic Society

Phantom of the Opera Daily Echo Review Perins School

Alresford Having seen some excellent youth company productions I was uncertain how a school would fare with such a demanding musical. I needn’t have worried as the 110-strong cast were an absolute credit to Director Marilitsa A

...

Alan Johns

Great Gatsby Costumes

Hi Margaret, While I’m writing, I need to say that the Gatsby costumes are outstanding! Quite sensational, honestly! Well send you some pictures in due course.

Thank you so much!

Seaford College

Made In Dagenham Costumes

Dear Margaret Just messaging to say thank you. All the costumes arrived and are absolutely perfect. I'm so impressed with the quality of the costumes and professionalism of Thespis hire. Again many thanks to you and for my mug .... What a lovely surprise, it will get lo...

Queens College Taunton

NODA East winner Phantom of the Opera

Reviewed By: Susan DuPont NODA east NYMT production Norwich Play House "Where do I begin with this production? It was ambitious, professional, brilliantly cast and sung, innovative in staging, groupings and movement, with impressive sets cleverly used o...

Susan DuPont

NOGAL Productions Addams Family

"Everything brilliant" A huge pat on the back - so professional and the costumes are excellent. First time we have used "Thespis" but definitely not the last.

Sue Gallagher M.B.E

Made In Dagenham at the Adelphi Theatre

Thanks SO much for all the help with our production. The costumes are beyond fabulous! Will definitely send over some pictures after the production.

Thanks again.

Best wishes,
Georgia

Francis Holland Sloan Square

Addams Family Costume Review Brighton Theatre Group

Hi Margaret, As promised I have attached a few images of the show for your use with marketing the costume set - which as I have said before were just beautifully presented and made - a real asset to the production. I will...

BrightonTG

Sister Act Brighton

Morning Dearest Margaret,

My god – we had a riot last night with a sold-out show and a standing ovation and cheering that did not stop!

Just wanted to say the costumes looked fabulous (baby!) and to thankyou for all your hard work.

...

Chairman Brighton Theatre Group

Addams Family Brighton

Hi Margaret, Thanks for your totally organised approach to all of this you could teach many a previous costumier a lesson in how to do it Happy weekend. Keith

Keith S

Miss Saigon Costumes

The NODA Best Production Shield
NODA and the Best Production Awards. 2015 WINNER of Best Musical for Phantom of the Opera and The Addams Family 2014 WINNER of Best Youth Musical Award for Miss Saigon 2010 WINNER of Best Youth Musical &...

Adrian Connell NYMT

Co-op Juniors Theatre Company

The Phantom of the Opera

Review NODA Review Author: Pam White This has been a production to be seen to be believed! One of our Junior Societies taking on this masterpiece by Andrew Lloyd Webber and C...

Co-op Juniors Theatre Company

Spring Awakening Costumes

Hi Margaret Sorry I did not catch you on Saturday night. Great feedback on the costumes and look of the show. Have loved working with you; you are now very much on our radar and look forward to working with again Many Tha...

Gallery Players Ipswich

Hunchback of Notre Dame. Durham.

Hi Margaret,

Our show was a great success and very well received by the audience. The costumes looked amazing. We had a lot of very positive feedback from the public.

Thank you so much for your help in getting things to us on the Saturday before the

...

DMTC

Miss Saigon costumes

Dear Margaret “We were very impressed with the quality of the costumes we received. The company had also been thorough in sending thed Regards, Sarah. Addison Ousedale school
Miss Saigon costumes
correct sizes ...

Ousedale school

Little Shop Of Horrors

Hello Margaret! We had so many great comments and feedback on the costumes - that you sourced most of them to fit our specific cast which made such a difference and it's rare to find a costumiers that caters to that. Also that they were s...

Manchester Musical Youth

Oliver

Hi Margaret Wow just wow! They are absolutely stunning. We are very excited to see them on our students later this afternoon. Thank you, just a fantastic service. Jo

Jo @ Highworth Grammar Ashford

Phantom of the Opera Stage One Youth

Thank you Margaret and thank you for taking the time to compliment our cast. We try to instil a sense of pride and professionalism in our young people and it is great to have an 'outsiders' view. Your costumes were wonderful and really helped to make our ...

Maggie Kearney

Costumes look fantastic Stage Productions

Hi Margaret, We`ve had the costume call tonight with our wardrobe team and the cast and I must say the costumes look fantastic!
Director of Stage Productions Phantom of the Opera

Director

The Addams Family NODA West

So much attention to detail NODA West Review By: Rachel Miller Newcastle Amateur Operatic Society. Addams Family Musical. Stoke Repertory Theatre "I was very excited to go and see Newcastle Operatic Society’s producti...

Rachel Miller NODA

Into The Woods

Dear Margaret,

Thank you once again for the most amazing costumes for "Into The Woods" - we loved them! Have a wonderful summer!

Alice

Hampton High School - Richmond upon Thames

Ventnor Theatre Group Phantom of the Opera

Hi Margaret & Neil,

Just wanted to say, I've directed many shows, but your costumes are without a doubt the best I've had. The cast are booming with them. Thank you.<

...

Ventnor Theatre Group Isle of Wight

Addams Family

Good morning Margaret, the costumes look beautiful. Thank you so much for all your hard work. They have bought our show to life and we couldn’t be more grateful. Kind Regards Michelle

The Eastwood Academy