Turning a corporate event into the greatest show
Following a recommendation from an existing client, we were approached by a global tech company to create a very special event for 200 guests. Bringing together the UK and Irish teams, the event was to be held at the end of their business year and to celebrate all that they had achieved. Our brief was to wow the guests, give them a memorable experience and provide plenty of entertainment and fun.
The Solution
With the Irish team flying in for the occasion, the venue needed to be easily accessible from Heathrow. Just a short hop from the airport’s Terminal 5, the Hilton was perfect and offered a wide range of flexible event spaces. Venue sorted, our design team set to work on how best to make the event truly spectacular, an experience that guests would consider a real treat. We were asked to produce the greatest show possible, so what better theme than The Greatest Showman! Not only did it provide rich visual inspiration, we could have plenty of fun in terms of the entertainment.
Guests arrived at the hotel and themed signage guided them to a welcome reception where Champagne and canapés were served. Stilt walkers greeted everyone, a roaming close-up magician performed an amazing array of tricks and a saxophonist played in the background, creating a very cool and relaxed ambience. A magic mirror photobooth and two themed photo opportunity walls added an extra element of fun and a great visual record of the evening.
The main space featured a stage and a central performance area, around which twenty round tables were set for a formal dinner. Red tablecloths and four different table centrepieces – ornate bird cages with faux florals, moving LED carousels, LED hot air balloons and LED circus horses – helped establish the circus theme. We also installed a variety of nostalgic circus posters to add even more visual impact.
Naturally, the main focal point was the stage area, which was lit up and flanked by giant models of a giraffe and elephant. Our lighting scheme, which included uplighters and moving lights with gobo filters fitted to produce shapes and patterns, created a wonderfully rich and inviting atmosphere – the room glowed red and gold as guests took to their seats.
We worked closely with the hotel to plan a delicious three-course dinner. Every dish was beautifully presented and really delivered on flavour. Red and white wine was served at the table and a bar serving beer, spirits and soft drinks was available throughout the evening.
But this event wasn’t just about enjoying good food because it was time for the show to begin. Hugh Jackman and Zendaya both had full diaries, unfortunately, but we managed to find some equally brilliant performers to fill their shoes. In fact, our show was packed full of talent – West End vocalists, a high energy dance troupe and circus acts, all overseen, of course, by a ringmaster. Supported by our production team to ensure perfect lighting and sound throughout, guests were treated to a dazzling show.
After the starter course, the show opened with a fabulous rendition of ‘The Greatest Show’. The main course was followed by several more big numbers from the film and an incredible performance by an aerial hoop artiste. And finally, after dessert, the entire cast performed the anthemic hit ‘This is Me’, which provided a truly electrifying finale. With so much energy in the room our DJ had little trouble getting the dance floor filled for the rest of the party.
