Mask sparkle their creative dust on the Under Globe.
On the 15th November Mask produced a true Shakespearian event at the Globe in Southbank to celebrate a company’s 20th Anniversary.
“O churl! Drink all; and leave no friendly drop!”
Romeo and Juliet Act 5 Scene 3
Guests arrived by boat; aboard the Symphony they sipped on Champagne whilst travelling across the Thames. Forty five minutes later they were greeted by Shakespearian doormen leading them to a lantern lit walkway through the Globe to the main reception.
Guests walked into a beautifully draped space surrounded by candle light. The Underglobe was where the main reception was held. Stacks of ivy were entwined in antique books and skull candles creating apt centre pieces. Poseur tables were dressed in rich red DE masque cloths as were the seated areas with silk scatter cushions.
The bespoke bar was covered in Shakespearian script and decorated with two urns filled with deep red, rust flowers and foliage.
“If music be the food of love, play on”
Twelfth Night, Act 2 Scene 1
Food played a big part in terms of creating Shakespearian elements. The menu incorporated food from all hierarchy’s during that period. The very wealthy saw delicacies as those that were grown from above such as apples and meat; whereas peasants ate from below the ground including items such as radishes and oysters. All of these ingredients were involved in the menu in some way, from a giant oyster filled with oysters to an English breakfast radish canapé and Chilled Apple Soufflé for dessert.
British produce was used from Hereford Beef to Highbury Chicken fois gras. With the initial appetizer being grissini pencils with a pesto dipping ink pot and canapés presented on Perspex scroll trays. The Shakespearian theme ran seamlessly throughout every individual touch.
Presentation of food was very important in that era. Elaborate silver platters and garnishes were a way of displaying affluence. We created an indulgent cheese station with Kentish Brie and Ragstone Goats Cheese among others served on slates with chalk inscriptions under each one.
As well as a cheese station a desserts table was created. Beautiful mini sweets were served on gold platters with “note” biscuits and marzipan fruits. We wanted this event to have elements of an elaborate banquet; the sort that William Shakespeare himself would have attended!
Shakespearian entertainment was considered a “must” so we made sure we had plenty! Judge the Poet started the evening, he would go round the guests and ask them for three words and create a poem out of them on the spot; this was a great way to create jovial fun and interaction amongst guests. The singing quartet The Great British Barber Shop Boys performed.
Last but by no means least was the Urban Soul Orchestra who were absolutely phenomenal.
“We have heard the chimes at midnight”
King Henry IV Act 3 Scene 2
The night was a Shakespearian success, carriages came at midnight in the form of traditional red routemaster buses with blankets for guests to keep warm, taking them to the beautiful St Ermins Hotel where the night continued
Thank you to all our lovely suppliers for helping make this event happen; from our wonderful florists to Full Circle for entertainment and Create for the incredible Dessert station.
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