Our Story

Acting the Part started as a suburban Sydney costume store in 1987. Several years later, being the creative types we are, we also started doing helium and air filled balloon decorations for parties.

In 2007 after almost 20 years in Epping we moved to much larger store in Carlingford which is in North Western Sydney between Parramatta and Epping. Our current store is over three times as large as the old one, has easier parking and lots of new stock.

We are a real Sydney costume shop where you can try things on. Over the years we have constantly added to our collection, we know what’s available and are still adding new items and maintaining and improving our existing stock. We love mixing and matching pieces and finding just the perfect costume. If you are going to a special event the last thing you want to do is wear something from a discount store or something you didn’t get to try on before purchase.

The Sydney costume business has changed considerably over the years and we have always been very keen to change with it. More recently we have also started selling costumes because we appreciate that some customers prefer to buy rather than hire. We choose the costumes we sell very carefully and make sure we get our hands on one first to check out the quality, fabric and sizing and that it actually looks like its picture in real life. From experience we know that the quality and sizing of costumes available for purchase varies enormously so we offer the opportunity for you to try them on in store. There are hundreds of places on line where you can buy costumes but to avoid possible disappointment your best bet is to try your costume on before you buy so it is well worth a visit to our store.

Unlike many mass produced costumes our hire costumes are made from quality fabrics which makes a huge difference in both fit and comfort. Because we make these hire costumes we are able to stock costumes to suit all shapes and sizes. Our hire collection includes 1000’s of items so if you need a single accessory or themed items for a whole group we can help. Most of our costumes have been made or purchased new for this business and all of our costumes are cleaned every time they are returned to our store. If you have been put off costume hire stores in the past, thinking they were full of musty old clothes you will be pleasantly surprised by a visit to our shop.

In addition to selling and hiring costumes we also stock costume accessories, wigs, makeup, and a great range of eye masks for masquerade parties.

Our balloon range includes DIY helium balloon kits, pre inflated helium balloons, quality balloons in a huge range of colours, giant number shaped balloons, and air or helium filled table arrangements.