The Wardrobe Department 🎭
By Elaine Garvey
⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sometimes a book catches your eye before you've even read the synopsis, and The Wardrobe Department by Elaine Garvey did exactly that. The beautiful painted cover immediately drew me in, and it perfectly reflects the quiet, thoughtful nature of the story waiting inside.
Mairéad has left Ireland behind to work in the wardrobe department of a struggling West End theatre, hoping to build a new life for herself. Instead, she finds herself surrounded by difficult colleagues, workplace harassment and a producer who abuses his position, while the memories of the home she tried so hard to escape continue to shape her present.
The real highlight of this book is its theatre setting. I loved stepping behind the curtain and seeing the people responsible for keeping a production running. From repairing costumes and fixing broken shoes to dealing with the endless demands of performers and producers, the wardrobe department becomes a fascinating world in its own right. The author captures both the glamour audiences imagine and the far grittier reality that exists once the theatre doors are closed.
Running alongside this is an exploration of power in its many forms. Whether through bullying in the workplace, unwanted physical advances or the emotional control found within families, Mairéad is constantly navigating environments where other people hold the power. These experiences quietly shape who she becomes and explain why she often struggles to make herself heard.
I initially found Mairéad quite difficult to connect with. She felt distant, almost as though she was watching life happen around her rather than fully participating in it. However, once the story returns to Ireland, her character begins to make much more sense. Learning about her upbringing and the family dynamics she left behind adds important emotional depth and helped me understand why she has built so many walls around herself.
Although the visit home provides valuable context, I found myself far more invested in the London chapters. The theatre and its wonderfully eclectic collection of characters were easily my favourite part of the story, and I would happily have spent much longer there. By comparison, the final section felt slightly rushed, leaving several characters and relationships less developed than I had hoped.
Interestingly, my biggest criticism comes from wanting more. I rarely finish a book wishing it had been longer, but I genuinely felt there was more to explore here. Spending additional time with both the backstage ensemble and Mairéad herself would have made the emotional journey even stronger.
With its unique setting, thoughtful exploration of identity and quietly compelling character development, The Wardrobe Department offers an engaging look at the people working behind the scenes, both in the theatre and in their own lives.
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