Tentacle was established in 1989, and our good reputation as costume, mask and creative prop makers has grown ever since.
Our company is based on creativity, professional customer service, reliability and integrity.

We have a large, fully-equipped workshop, close to Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport. We often work internationally and ship worldwide.

Originally based in the UK, 14 years ago we chose to move ourselves and the business to Amsterdam, which enabled the studio to grow, both in size and capabilities.



Bev Shalts and Mike Petty

Bev Shalts
Bev is a founder member and co-ordinator of Tentacle Studio. She also handles the business aspects, organises the plethora of freelance workers, and works hands-on as part of the team. She has many years of experience working in theatre, ballet, film, TV and with countless corporate clients. After achieving her degree in Theatre Costume & Design, Bev began her career as Head of Costume Props Department at the Leicester Haymarket Theatre, specialising in building large musicals for West End theatres. She soon became involved in additional projects and turned freelance, in the process creating her own workshop.

Bev is an expert in pattern cutting, and all things to do with fabrics, plastics and rubber. She also specialises in making animal heads and masks, anything from cute and comic to ultra realistic.

Mike Petty
Classically trained, Mike has gained over 25 years experience in the field of sculpture and prop-making since graduating as a Batchelor of Arts with Honours in Sculpture. He is an expert mould maker, and has trained in bronze casting. He works regularly with wood, metal, plaster, latex, poly foam and fibreglass resin.

For many years he was head of the busy Props Department at the Haymarket Theatre. Having worked for the BBC and award-winning designer Eiko Ishioka, Mike has created effects for many TV and theatre productions.

Also an accomplished painter in oils, his work takes pride of place in private houses, hotels and government institutions around the world.

Freelancers
We couldn't acheive as much as we do without our network of specialist freelancers who work closely with us (sometimes at very short notice!) on a project by project basis. Special thanks must go to Herma, Marjolein, Yolanda, Katherine, Qin, Russell Gilbert at The English Editors, Helen, Rosie, Galiene, Els, Vittorio, Mawi Embroidery, Ambassador Textile, Fukotex, and Krijger the Printers.