This client came to us with a venue already booked and a bold vision, but no clear path to achieve it. That’s where we stepped in. The plan was ambitious: a three-day celebration at the Beaverbrook Hotel, complete with two distinct themed evenings and daytime activities. The goal was to transform Beaverbrook into Gatsby’s mansion for the weekend; a fully immersive Gatsby party experience where guests assumed new identities and stayed in character throughout!
The Styling
Friday began with a relaxed garden drinks and dinner reception, followed by a secret speakeasy afterparty. The hotel’s Italian garden needed little enhancement, Beaverbrook’s seasonal hot air balloons set the scene beautifully. But the speakeasy gave us the opportunity to flex our creative muscles. We transformed a small space with floor-to-ceiling draping in rich reds and taupes, adding vintage leather sofas, cabaret tables, and art deco touches. Despite its cosy size, we managed to include two full-size gaming tables, an elegant bar, and a small stage for our singers to perform on throughout the evening, perfectly setting the mood for the Gatsby party.
Saturday brought a completely different look and feel. While guests enjoyed lawn games and picnics by day, our team discreetly prepared the marquee for that nights black-tie dinner and entertainment. The styling was all about classic black and gold glamour. Crystal chandeliers twinkled overhead, floating pond candles, and lush draping in silver and black gave an opulent feel. Tables gleamed with gold-rimmed glassware, candelabras, and custom menus perfectly in keeping with the Gatsby theme.
The Experience
From the moment guests arrived, they were greeted by two actors playing Gatsby’s butler and housekeeper — who stayed perfectly in character all weekend, even after deep questioning from guests, our actors didn’t drop their accents once! Guiding guests seamlessly from scene to scene, they added humour, charm, and structure to the immersive Gatsby party experience. The speakeasy reveal was a particular highlight: guests were snuck through back corridors, past the bins, and into a hidden world of low lighting, live music, and spinning roulette wheels. Our singers’ modern hits with a 1920s twist completed the illusion, we’ve used this gorgeous singing due for many parties in the past (like this recent 1920s style 50th) and they’re always spectacular!
Saturday morning began with spa sessions to soothe sore heads, followed by a lively afternoon of croquet and pétanque on the lawns, guests really threw themselves into this with everyone dressed the part and embracing the competitive spirit, efforts rewarded with prizes for winners naturally!
As evening fell, guests descended into the clear roofed marquee, glowing with candlelight, twinkling lights reflected in the water that this marquee straddled. After a three-course dinner and stunning performance from our Gatsby live band, they were summoned back to the main house for “Gatsby’s party.” The peak of the weekend! There they were greeted by a surprise performance from our stunning dancers and incredible singer, against the backdrop of a moving light show across the building’s façade. Even as the rain poured down, guests watched from beneath umbrellas, captivated by the performance. The evening continued in the bar with a champagne tower, a world class DJ, and late-night cheese toasties to fuel dancing into the early hours!
The Challenges
This event wasn’t without its hurdles. The vast Beaverbrook grounds required extra crew and complex logistic, with our team hauling equipment up and down flights of stairs that added up to the equivalent of climbing The Gherkin every day (and we’d know, we’ve done several parties at the Gherkin!).
And, of course, the great British weather kept us on our toes. We had contingency plans for every scenario, with last-minute calls made daily to preserve the ideal setup. Guests took it all in their stride, embracing the elements with enthusiasm. Behind the scenes, our team worked tirelessly through power issues, last-minute marquee adjustments, and rain-soaked performances. Our valiant dancers even carried on through a downpour, their feathers a little soggy but spirits unshaken!
