How TLC created a magical Phantom of the Opera-themed awards event, and how to infuse your next event with theatrical flair.
When it comes to creating a memorable event, few themes can match the drama, elegance, and excitement of the theatre. At TLC we love to reimagine tried and tested formats for our corporate events. So, when one client requested an awards ceremony with a difference, we couldn’t help but get swept away into a world of spectacle and creativity with a Phantom of the Opera-themed awards event.
Our first stop was a surprisingly glamorous venue that brought a sense of grandeur and sophistication to the occasion. The Royal Hall at Harrogate Convention Centre. A stunning Grade II* listed Edwardian theatre, and a jewel in Harrogate’s crown. Built in 1903 by Frank Matcham as a multi-purpose entertainment space for the rich and famous visitors to Harrogate’s spa, this magnificent ‘wow’ venue provided an unforgettable setting.
Sumptuous red and gold interiors instantly transported our guests back to the glory days of the theatre. Imposing architecture, enduring craftsmanship, and gilded touches. An upward glance revealed a magnificent ceiling covered with intricate cornicework and elaborate latticework. Stage. Set.
On arrival at our elaborate Phantom of the Opera-themed awards event, guests were given a red-carpet entrance with velvet ropes and a photo opportunity for everyone to pose in their finery. While we didn’t indulge at this event, we have in the past hired “paparazzi” to make our attendees feel like stars arriving at a premiere.
The essence of a theatre-themed event lies in its entertainment. Incorporating live performances can enhance the atmosphere and ensure your guests are thoroughly entertained throughout the night. We hired masked performers to serenade our guests from the elevated boxes as they enjoyed cocktails and canapes. It added an extra dimension to the party.
Next, a sit-down dinner allowed guests to indulge in the sense of occasion. The table design was rich and elaborate, with twisted foliage cascading from towering candelabras. Deep red roses and tall pillar candles add echoes of the slightly macabre nature of the Phantom musical. Historical and more contemporary theatrical motifs nestled among the decorative elements. At each place, a mask was provided to add an extra element of intrigue and transform the event into a glamorous masquerade ball in line with our operatic theme.
Lighting played a crucial role in creating the right mood for our Phantom of the Opera-themed awards event. Soft, dramatic lighting, spotlight moments. Even theatrical effects like smoke machines or confetti drops can add to the drama and excitement. Our lighting bathed the room in a warm red glow enhancing the décor further with spotlights to pick out our performers.
After dinner, our guests were taken through to the stage for the main event, and a moment in the spotlight for the award winners too.
SET THE STAGE WITH A VARIATION ON THE THEME
Where our theatre-themed awards event was particularly traditional in terms of styling and format, there is more than one way to create a theatrical event that steals the show.
Whether you’re planning a corporate gala, a charity fundraiser, or even a private party, a theatre-inspired theme can be versatile and adaptable, upscaled or updated to suit your audience.
You could use a contemporary recital as your muse. The bright lights of Broadway. A Shakespearean comedy. What about a high-energy performance like Lord of the Dance or Riverdance, complete with a troop of acrobatic dancers?
Here are a few more ideas to bring the thrill of the stage to your awards event.
CREATE YOUR OWN BROADWAY EXTRAVAGANZA
Incorporate the bright lights, glamour, and pazazz of Broadway. Create huge marquee signs with the name of your company/event. Re-enact the glamour of New York City’s Broadway scene. A Broadway theme gives you the freedom to focus on iconic musicals and vibrant stage productions. Les Misérables. Cats. West Side Story. Moulin Rouge. Chicago. Use the content to inspire your décor and entertainment.
Recreate a Broadway street-scene complete with newspaper stand owners calling out the headliners of the day. Have a live act perform and wow your crowd. Decorate tables with thematic centrepieces that tie into your chosen style. Use mini marquees, playbill menus, and dramatic announcements/mini-theatre acts to guide your guests throughout the space. You could even have a Broadway karaoke session, where guests can take the stage and try out their favourite musical numbers. Dancers and actors dressed as characters can mingle amongst your audience or an aerial performance could elevate the entertainment to new heights.
TRANSPORT GUESTS INTO THE HEART OF A SHAKESPEAREAN COMEDY
A classical touch can transport guests to the time of England’s most famous bard. Bring in the charm of the Elizabethan theatre. Ivy-draped arches, period costumes. Swathe your room in drapery and soft candlelight to bring the spirit of Romeo and Juliet or A Midsummer Night’s Dream to life. Assign your guests to the Montagues or Capulets giving them themed tables. Or treat the event as a series of acts moving your audience from space to space for different stages of the event.
Consider immersive or interactive theatre within the Shakespearean theme. Actors mingling with guests, and performing improvised scenes, add a layer of engagement that puts your audience right in the heart of the action.
FIVE WAYS TO ELEVATE YOUR THEATRE THEME
- Open the show as you mean to go on and design your event invitations or tickets to look like traditional theatre tickets, which guests can keep as a memento.
- Hide your event behind the huge red curtains for the cocktail reception, when the welcome drinks are over, allow the curtain to rise and let the magic of the theatre begin!
- Introduce themed cocktails: Name your cocktails after iconic plays, musicals, or characters. A Romeo and Juliett Gin Fizz, a Roxie Hart Rickey, or a Magical Mr Mistoffelees Martini.
- During dinner, treat the dessert course as the grand finale. Make it lavish and theatrical. Incorporate smoke effects, glitter, or edible gold. A cake shaped like a theatre mask or spotlight adds a fun, visual twist.
- Send your guests home with a memorable keepsake that ties into the theatre theme. These could be masks, theatre-inspired chocolates, or keychains shaped like famous props from your chosen theme.
THE FINAL CURTAIN
Finally, how about taking your party outside for an open-air theatre-themed event? Find inspiration here: https://www.countryandtownhouse.com/culture/outdoor-theatres-uk/
Did you know…the history of the theatre dates back to the 4th century BC.
Visit the Victoria and Albert museum for one of the UK’s largest collections of theatrical history. https://www.vam.ac.uk/articles/the-story-of-theatre?srsltid=AfmBOoq5B5iBT7LNFgXqGCusODfCiIbI0gWpIiX2cykS3pgMr1FzB0t4