If you’ve visited Hollywood Fancy Dress on Castle Lane recently, you will have seen that we’re selling off some of our hire costumes and accessories to make way for shiny new ones! This of course means huge discounts on some really high quality pieces, who can say no? Well now it’s Hollywood ‘Just For Fun’s turn as all of the ex-rental is moving to our Southampton branch. If you’re looking for something unique and hard wearing for your next fancy dress party, then pop in to see the Southampton team, who will be able to kit you out for bargain prices! What Is Up For Grabs? Now I know what you’re thinking, if we’re getting rid of it, it can’t be any good! But you’d be wrong! We were simply full to the brim with great costumes and needed to make way for some exciting new ones. There is also seasonal hire up for grabs such as Halloween and Christmas costumes if you’re thinking ahead. There is a huge selection of authentic Army and Navy uniforms available for those of you who like to look distinguished in your fancy dress costumes. There are also plenty of tailored jackets and suits to choose from, ideal for murder mysteries and James Bond themed parties. Continue reading →

Nerds of the south coast unite! This year will see the second in what we hope will be a very long line of conventions. On Saturday 28th March the Empire Hall in Totton will play host to Southampton Comic Con 2! With the first year’s cartoon and comic con being such a success, how could you refuse another? What’s It All About? In 2012 Dave Penny and Wayne Streak met at Def Con 1, a Star Wars themed convention that is now held annually in Southampton. They shared a love for conventions and joined forces between Def Con, the SO16 Troopers and Nerdagedddon.net and became Nerdageddon.co.uk. In 2014 they hosted Southampton’s first ever comic con which was a roaring success. Not only are the conventions great fun for all of the family, but they also help local charities such as Clic Sargent which is a charity that helps provide accommodation for families of children fighting cancer so that they can always be nearby. They also donate to the Piam Brown unit in Southampton General hospital which is a paediatric oncology and haematology centre. Continue reading →

Here at Hollywood we could not be more excited to be opening the doors of our brand new Weymouth branch! On Friday 27th February Hollywood will be re-launching “The Party Shop” and you’re invited! Weymouth thought the party was over when their beloved Party Shop closed its doors at the start of the year, but the Hollywood team are here...

This February we’re off to see the wizard, the wonderful Wizard of Oz at Bournemouth Pavilion! From the 19th-21st February Swish of the Curtain are showing off their stunning adaptation of The Wizard of Oz and we cannot wait. Join Dorothy and her adorable companion Toto in their fantastical journey home! What's The Wizard Of Oz About? After dropping her house on a witch, young Dorothy finds herself quite lost in a magical world. She sets off to meet a famous wizard that may be able to get here safely back to Kansas. On her way down the yellow brick road she encounters some very mysterious characters and makes friends with some unlikely fellows. A Scarecrow in need of a brain is first to join her followed by a Tin Man who wants a heart more than anything and of course, the lion that needs to find some courage. Put on your ruby slippers and come and be part of their stunning musical adventure, where danger is never far away. Prepare to be blow away by this sing-a-long classic! Continue reading →

Children all across the country will be getting into costume on Thursday 5th March to celebrate World Book Day! This year will mark the 18th anniversary of World Book Day here in the UK and as always it is set to be more exciting than the last. What Is World Book Day? World Book Day is an annual event celebrating...

The day of love is nearly upon us, have you got anything special for your valentine yet? What is Valentine's Day? Valentine's Day is an annual celebration of love that takes place on 14th February. It is an entire day set aside for us to show appreciation for that special someone in our lives. Flowers will be sent from secret admirers, cards filled with romantic poems and beautiful gifts exchanged between partners. The origins of Valentine's Day are largely unknown as there were many Saints named Valentine, but none with a connection to romance. The closest link that can be made is to a St Valentine who was a Roman priest, martyred on February 14th of the year 270 CE. The connection to love was thought to have been made much later by English writer, Geoffrey Chaucer with his poem “Valentines” written in the 14th Century. Whatever the connection, the 14th February has been celebrated for centuries across the world with feasts and rituals relating to love and romance. Continue reading →

On the 21st January one of the greatest musicals of all time, The Sound of Music returns in an all new magnificent production to The Mayflower Southampton. The Performance Playing the role of Maria von Trapp is Danielle Hope, who captured the hearts of the country when she won BBC Television’s Over the Rainbow and made her professional debut as Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz at the London Palladium. Danielle has since played Eponine in Les Misérables in London’s West End and Narrator in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. Based on Baroness Maria von Trapp’s 1949 autobiography, this production tells the story of the Von Trapp family’s flight across the mountains and works its magic for all ages. The unforgettable score features some of the most memorable songs ever performed on the musical stage, including Edelweiss, My Favorite Things, Do-Re-Mi, Climb Ev’ry Mountain, and of course, the title song The Sound of Music. Continue reading →

On 12th February Bournemouth Pavilion is once again opening their doors to one of the scariest acts you will see this side of a Marilyn Manson concert. Oh yes, we’re bringing out The Circus of Horrors! What is The Circus of Horrors? Born from a conception at the 1995 Glastonbury Festival, The Circus of Horrors has become a roaring success. Most of you will know of the act after seeing it reach the finals of Britain’s Got Talent, still remaining the only circus act to ever to do so. Since then they have stormed the world performing across Europe and Asia and they have also taken to the West End, being the first circus to do so for 100 years! And now they’re back and the act is bigger and better than ever to mark its 20th anniversary in gory style! Continue reading →

From the 6th to the 10th of January 2015, Saturday Night Fever comes to The Mayflower Theatre in Southampton. Based on the smash hit film featuring songs by the Bee Gees, the production is based in the 1970's the prime time of disco! The Storyline Brooklyn teen Tony Manero lives for Saturday nights at the local club, where he's king of the disco, thanks to his stylish moves on the dance floor. But outside of the club, things aren’t all fun and games. At home, Tony fights with his father all the time and has to compete with his family's idealistic view of his older brother who is a priest. To make matters worse he’s stuck in a dead-end job at a paint store. However, things begin to change when he meets the beautiful Stephanie at the disco and starts training with her for the club's dance competition. Stephanie dreams of a world beyond little old Brooklyn, and her plans to move to the big city will change Tony's life forever. Continue reading →

Christmas has come and gone and once again the New Year will roll around before any of us have time to properly play with our presents. As far as television is concerned, you may be wondering what’s coming up on the night itself and how you’re going to prepare for it. Fear not, for the research has been done for you! BBC New Year Show The BBC will, as ever be hosting live coverage of all of the New Year’s events, including the London Fireworks. A series of big names from the world of music are sure to be present, along with what is sure to be a rousing rendition of Auld Lang Syne. Jool’s Holland Hootenanny Show It wouldn’t be New Year television without Jools Holland’s annual offering. This one promises to maintain his typical high standards, with performances from a diverse range of musicians. This promises to have something for everyone and a healthy smattering of music you won’t have heard before. Channel 4 Channel 4’s offering is hosted by Alan Carr and includes guest appearances from James Corden, Keith Lemon, Ben Cohen and Abbey Clancy.  This will be a party, with stand-up, along with music from Professor Green. This show is distinct from the offerings put forward by the BBC, in that it has already been pre-recorded. ITV James Manford is offering his comedic take on the news events of the year in a show called ‘A Funny Old Year’. This will be an hour-long comedy special, packed with Manford’s unique brand of presenting throughout. Continue reading →

All of the outfits shown below are available on our fab site so you can choose something special for New Year. Make sure you have a stylish end to 2014 and make a feisty entry into 2015!

Wearing fancy dress costumes for New Year parties is becoming more and more popular every year and there is never any shortage of themes and designs to choose from! Where ever you're celebrating this year, make it memorable in a funny fancy dress costume from Hollywood. Drinks Costumes If you’re ready to drink the night away to see the new year in then why not show it in style? Get your drink on quite literally with one of our epic alcohol themed costumes. For the ladies we have the ever so sexy Jägermeister and Jack Daniels inspired dresses, which come complete with cute bottle cap hats. If you’re looking for couples costumes then you partner can dress to match! For the guys there are plenty of brilliant drinks costumes to choose from. We have beer, tequila and vodka bottles as well as the paddy pint, inspired by Guinness! Food Costumes We all know and love the classic banana costume. It is always a New Year staple, so if you’re holding a party and there’s no human banana, you’re missing out! If you’re looking for a tasty costume then the fun doesn’t stop there, why not be bright and be seen in a funny carrot costume or super hot in a spicy chilli costume! If you’re more of a junk food junkie then go for something yummy like the golden fries or the saucy hot dog! There’s plenty of food for thought here at Hollywood! Continue reading →

Each New Year brings a new beginning so you need to be out with the old and in with the new! That can only mean one thing here at Hollywood.... A HUGE SALE! We all feel that after Christmas pinch in our wallets and with New Year being such a massive event on everyone’s calendar it’s hard to keep enough money aside for an amazing costume. Fear not! From the 27th December all three of our Hollywood stores will be having spectacular sales on a huge range of items so don’t miss out! With longer opening times for the festive season you’ll have even more chance to come in and grab yourself a bargain. What To Expect With so much going in to this New Year sale, it’s hard to know where to begin! There will be a huge range of costumes available for men and women from fairytales to funny characters. We must be going crazy on Christmas spirit because even licensed character costumes will be in our mammoth sale event. We’ll have it all from classics like Robocop to stunning new designs, like the exclusive ladies Beetle Juice costume! Continue reading →

Where ever you are in the world, you will never be far from a New Years celebration when the 31st December rolls around. Not everyone celebrates Christmas, but we can all enjoy a good party and New Year always is. If you're not sure how to spend yours this year then have a look at the video that we've put together...

We are all focused on being ready for Christmas at the moment and with just over a week to go its no surprise, but don’t forget about New Year! As soon as the turkey has been devoured the panic for the end of the year begins, so why not take the stress out of your holidays and get in early...

If you’re stuck for ideas on what to wear this Christmas, then look no further! Here at Hollywood we have a huge range of costumes to help you through the festive season. Whether you’re looking for something for work or play, you’re sure to find just what you’re looking for in store today! For those that are after luxury, you...

It Is Time...Done your capes, put your underwear on the outside of your trousers and show off your super hero style for this year’s Children In Need extravaganza! BBC’s Children In Need is an annual charity event designed to help children nationwide. Money donated by volunteers and fundraisers goes towards funding activities, events and schemes for disabled children and disadvantaged young people. Most people know BBC Children In Need by the telethon shown on BBC One each November. This year it will be broadcasted live from Albert Square, famously the set of hit British soap Eastenders. Sir Terry Wogan will be hosting as he has been since the first televised appeal in 1980 and will of course be joined by everyone’s favourite bear, Pudsey! Pudsey has been the poster child for Children In Need since 1985 when first created by BBC graphic designer Joanna Ball. Before being re-designed a year later Pudsey was depicted with a sad expression and was also orange, rather than the sunshine yellow we know and love today. Continue reading →

NEW IN AND EXCLUSIVE! Leg Avenue has arrived with new and wonderful costumes andaccessories, perfect for any occasion! Here at Hollywood we have new lines of Leg Avenue exclusively available in our Bournemouth branches so if you want a costume that will be high quality and gorgeously unique, look no further. For any ladies that want to dress to impress...

Welcome June 2014! See what's going on in this gorgeous start of Summer month! Make sure you are up to date with all the party months! The brilliant month of June marks the start of BBQ's, beach parties and of course festivals! No wonder we love the Summer. What's Happening this June?! Starting us off on June 1st is the...